Wolf Blass Green Label in PET

The new unfilled PET packaging format is about 90% lighter than the industry average standard glass bottle, thus, saving on GHG emissions generated during production and transport.

21/05/09 Taking a leading position in innovation in the Australian wine industry, the new Wolf Blass Green Label presents a packaging alternative with a lower greenhouse footprint.

Through the production of its Green Label wines, Wolf Blass becomes the first Australian wine company to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the order of 29 per cent; a claim substantiated by a full product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)*.

Produced in a 51g PET bottle where the industry standard is a 515g glass bottle, Wolf Blass Green Label wines are set to launch nationally in May, following 12 months of trial, development and analysis with bottle supplier, VIP Packaging.

The new unfilled PET packaging format is about 90% lighter than the industry average standard glass bottle, thus, saving on GHG emissions generated during production and transport.

The new format also makes the wines easier to transport, handle and pour.

Further, PET is a food standard plastic, 100% recyclable and shatterproof meaning no risk of broken glass. It's a perfect alternative. The packaging can easily be crushed and folded, minimising household waste.

“We have been working on our PET wine bottle solution for some time now with the objective of making sure we wouldn’t compromise the taste of the wine, quality or aesthetics of the packaging," says Daryl Black, VIP Packaging’s PET Business Manager.

"After numerous trials and international consultation, we’re confident we have now reached this point.”

Using DiamondClear active oxygen scavenging material, available through an exclusive licensing agreement with Constar International, VIP Packaging has addressed one of the biggest stumbling blocks associated with plastic packaging for wine – the lifespan of both empty and filled bottles.

Technology prior to DiamondClear offered a shorter shelf life for the previous formats of PET bottles which generally required storage in a chilled environment prior to use and subsequent filling within 2 weeks of actually being produced.

VIP Packaging’s new bottles, using the latest DiamondClear scavenging technology, do not require this treatment; thus they eliminate refrigerator usage and associated energy consumption.

At the forefront of innovation, the new Wolf Blass Green Label wines are the first wine products released in Australia to use DiamondClear technology.

The core benefit of this technology include its long history of use in the food industry.

Oxygen scavenger activation is assisted by the presence of moisture introduced at the time of filling. Gram for gram, DiamondClear oxygen scavenging material has approximately five times more oxygen absorption capacity than competing scavenger technologies.

The active monolayer materials absorb oxygen, not only limiting the amount of oxygen which ingresses into the bottle, but also assists with the removal of oxygen from the head space ensuring the wine delivers the same quality, taste and fresh fruit flavours within a best before date of 12 months.

“Green Label is an ideal solution for a more sustainable alternative packaging choice presenting a lower greenhouse footprint," says Oliver Horn Global Brand Director, Wolf Blass.

"The packaging is in response to market demand and a clear consumer insight suggesting that 96% of consumers today claim they’d like brands to show them how they are helping climate change and the environment.” (STW Group Ltd, Climate Change 2007)

VIP Packaging offers three stock lines as part of its new PET bottle range; including a 750ml Burgundy style format, plus a 750ml and 187ml Bordeaux style bottle.

Compatible with aluminium metal closures and plastic Novatwist closures, VIP Packaging’s PET wine bottles meet applicable food contact regulations in Australia, USA and EU.

VIP Packaging has the exclusive license to use the DiamondClear oxygen scavenging technology in Australia and New Zealand and has partnered with Uno Packaging (www.unopackaging.com) for the distribution of this product.

This feature is provided by Food Ingredients First’s sister website, Packaging Insights.

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