Alpla has introduced a new sustainable packaging solution in the form of recyclable PET wine bottles, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs for winemakers. These innovative PET bottles are approximately eight times lighter than traditional glass bottles, resulting in a 50% decrease in carbon footprint and up to 30% savings in production costs.
The PET wine bottles offered by Alpla can be made entirely from recycled PET (rPET) and are currently available in 0.75-litre and 1-litre sizes. Wegenstein, a pilot customer and development partner, has already integrated these bottles into the Austrian wine market, showcasing the effectiveness of this eco-friendly packaging solution.
Compared to glass bottles, the 0.75-litre PET bottle weighs only 50 grams, significantly reducing material consumption and energy usage during manufacturing. This results in a 38% reduction in carbon consumption, even without the use of rPET. Alpla plans to ramp up production to several million units per year by 2025, with a focus on developing solutions made entirely of rPET.
Daniel Lehner, Global Sales Director of Alpla’s food & beverage division, emphasizes the benefits of PET packaging, stating that it is lightweight, unbreakable, recyclable, and requires minimal energy for production. This makes it an ideal choice for winemakers looking to improve their environmental impact and lower costs.
The use of rPET further enhances the sustainability of these PET bottles, with a 30% rPET content resulting in a 42% reduction in carbon footprint. Alpla’s PET wine bottles are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective, with savings of up to 30% when compared to glass bottles.
Furthermore, Alpla’s PET wine bottles are designed to work seamlessly with standard metal screw caps and are compatible with existing bottling lines, providing flexibility for winemakers. Wegenstein has successfully integrated these PET bottles into their production process, highlighting the ease of transition from traditional glass bottles.
In conclusion, Herbert Toifl, Managing Director of Wegenstein winery, praises the PET bottles for their visual appeal, quality assurance, and practicality. The partnership between Alpla and Wegenstein has resulted in an innovative packaging solution that caters to environmentally conscious consumers, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in the wine industry.
