Cheers! To Paper-based Packaging
The packaging industry is always on the lookout for innovative solutions that promote sustainability. Glass wine bottles are recyclable and yet only 71% are recovered and recycled in the UK. It is also an energy-intense process, so is there a better option? Wine producers have been exploring the option of an unexpected packaging material; paper!
How do Paper Wine Bottles Work?
We all know that paper is absorbent, so it isn’t a great container for liquids, however, it is low cost, lightweight and fully recyclable. Paper can also be shaped, printed and strengthened.
In 2020, Suffolk-based company, Frugalpac, launched the world’s first paper bottle. This is a robust outer casing of paper-based cardboard, in the shape of a traditional wine bottle. It contains a slim, food-grade plastic pouch to seal and secure the liquid inside.
The pouch and bottle are simple to separate and both are 100% recyclable. The production process uses considerably less energy than glass, cutting the carbon footprint by 84%. In addition, these bottles are 5 times lighter than their equivalent sized glass bottle, which reduces shipping costs.
It has taken the company a bit of time to convince people that paper bottles are a viable alternative, but early adopters are now selling wine in paper bottles. Here are three options:
– When in Rome is selling vegan Primitivo, Rosato and Pecorino Italian wines in Frugalpac bottles and these are also available through Ocado.
– Laithwaites is staying closer to home, with an English wine; Redbrook Estate Bacchus available in a decorative paper wine bottle.
– The English Vine is also launching their popular No1 wine in paper bottles this summer.
Some wine drinkers would not comprehend drinking anything that didn’t come in a corked glass bottle, yet initial feedback is positive, such as from this English Vine customer:
“I do like No1 and it tastes good from both glass and paper bottles.”
Could this sustainable packaging material be part of your company’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint?
Bag in Box Wines are Back on the Shelves
The same principle of lighter weight and lower environmental impact packaging materials has seen the resurgence of Bag in Box (BIB) wines. There are now entire sections devoted to BIB wines in major supermarkets and online wine retailers’ websites.
Whilst these went out of favour due to their association with cheap wines, things have changed. The quality of the wine is good and they are now popular with a generation that prioritises eco-credentials.
With the tap turned off, the box is airtight, so it can be stored in the fridge for consumption over 3-weeks. This is appealing and reduces waste that might occur from an opened bottle.
The print design on many modern BIB wines is another factor drawing people in. The stylised boxes can make a great table feature at your next BBQ or party.
Still Not Convinced?
If you have yet to be convinced about the quality or practicalities of paper wine bottles or Bag in Box wines, maybe the answer is aluminium cans. Companies including Nice Drinks have focused on offering the convenience of individual portions of wine in recyclable aluminium cans.
These are also considerably more lightweight than glass and are ideal for festivals and events where glass bottles are banned. The Nice 3-can Trial Packs and 6-can Mixed Case options are packaged in sustainable cardboard boxes for delivery.
Paper-based Packaging
As specialists in cardboard packaging, we love to see the potential of paper-based packaging being extended beyond the traditional box. Let’s toast these innovations and sustainable packaging!
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