Sustainable Pleasure: Wine Bottle Made From rPET
17.07.2024
PET water bottles, PET beer bottles – so why not PET wine bottles? The combination may seem unconventional at first, but it offers significant advantages over glass bottles: PET bottles have a lower CO2 footprint, are more cost-effective, lighter, and safer due to their unbreakable nature. ALPLA's solution also stands out by using rPET.
In an interview with K-Mag, Daniel Lehner, Global Sales Director Food & Beverage at ALPLA, discusses the PET wine bottle, its CO2-saving potential, and why plastics will remain an integral part of sustainable packaging solutions.
How did you come up with the idea of a PET wine bottle?
Daniel Lehner: Using PET bottles for wine is not entirely new. However, previous applications were more niche, such as small PET wine bottles on airplanes to save weight. What's new is the approach of combining an attractive design with full recyclability and easy transition.
With the vastly improved CO2 balance, this package is particularly appealing to bottlers and producers of wines meant for quick consumption. We deliberately decided against an oxygen barrier to offer this market segment an attractive and sustainable alternative.
What are the main features of ALPLA's new PET wine bottle?
Lehner: A PET wine bottle excels in terms of safety, attractive pricing, and above all, sustainability. The bottle weighs only 50 grams, which is significantly lighter compared to glass bottles at around 400 grams. Additionally, the bottle is recyclable and can be produced with up to 100% recycled material. All these factors contribute to up to 50% CO2 savings compared to glass.
Another key feature is the use of the existing metal closure. This allows for an easy conversion at the bottler's facility without significant modifications.
What are the advantages of the PET wine bottle compared to traditional glass bottles, particularly regarding cost and environmental impact?
Lehner: The biggest advantages are the light weight of only 50 grams and the cost savings of up to 30%. This leads to up to 50% CO2 savings, depending on the amount of recycled material used. Even the PET bottle without recycled material saves 38% CO2 compared to glass.
Another advantage lies in the quick availability and thus supply security. New formats and designs can also be implemented quickly, offering exciting possibilities for future applications.
What challenges had to be overcome in the development process?
Lehner: The goal was to develop a bottle that is not only very light and therefore has a significantly better CO2 balance than glass bottles but also looks similar to a glass bottle and can be used without major adjustments in filling lines. One challenge was finding the right combination of closure and neck geometry. Overcoming these challenges was essential, and we succeeded.
Exhibitors & products around recycling
How was it ensured that the bottles could be made from 100% recycled PET (rPET)?
Lehner: ALPLA has extensive experience in the production of PET bottles and recycled material. From the beginning, it was clear to us that we wanted to test and offer this option. By avoiding special barriers or other materials, we ensure that the bottle can be returned to the recycling stream and kept in the loop.
How have consumers and the wine industry responded to the introduction of the PET wine bottle?
Lehner: Feedback has been mixed. We have received many positive responses from the industry as the advantages are clear and the bottle is visually appealing. Now, the task is to further convince end consumers and inform them about the benefits. However, we have also received a lot of positive feedback from consumers.
What are your plans for the future of the PET wine bottle and possible product expansions?
Lehner: In addition to the 750ml bottle, a 1,000ml bottle will follow soon. Further variants are conceivable. As mentioned, we can quickly adjust bottle design, volume, and other details (e.g., a relief or logo on the bottle body). Other products such as sparkling wines, champagne, or spirits are also conceivable. We have already gained initial experience in other markets and will soon be able to offer additional solutions.
How do you see the long-term role of sustainable packaging solutions in the global beverage industry?
Lehner: To reduce the carbon footprint, plastic packaging is essential. The primary goal is to keep them in a closed loop for as long as possible, e.g., turning one bottle back into another. Plastic packaging ensures that the global population can be supplied safely, affordably, and sustainably. Therefore, the right design and alignment for later use are crucial. As experts in the design and manufacture of bottles and closures, as well as in the production of recycled material, we aim to contribute to this and support our customers as partners.
Elena Blume (Editorial team K-Mag)