PaperBoy Paper Wine Bottle

US-based Truett-Hurst has released the first paper wine bottle in the US – a 75cl paper wine bottle called PaperBoy.

It's a moulded outer shell in the shape of a wine bottle, made from recycled cardboard and featuring a plastic liner. The entire package is 85% lighter than a glass bottle and is easily recyclable. From production to shipping to recycling, PaperBoy proves the wine business can operate with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

California–based Safeway will partner with Truett-Hurst in the initial release of PaperBoy nationwide.

PaperBoy contains appellation–based, super-premium wines sourced from the Mendocino and Paso Robles growing regions and crafted by winemaker Virginia Marie Lambrix. Introductory PaperBoy wines are a 2012 Paso Robles Red Blend ($14.99) and a 2012 Mendocino Chardonnay ($13.99).

"We at Truett-Hurst believe that if the quality of the wine exceeds a customer's expectation, then new, cutting-edge packaging will become more mainstream," said Lambrix.

"PaperBoy provides a responsible way to carry wine outdoors," said Truett-Hurst president and CEO, Phil Hurst. "Campers, hikers and fishermen can carry this lightweight package – only 1.9lbs filled – and enjoy premium wine almost anywhere, collapsing it when finished for return to a recycling site. We're thrilled to be a pioneer of this Earth-friendly, high-quality, innovative package. It could create an entirely new category in wine."