Two innovations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of wine packaging have progressed to the proof-of-concept stage under the Australian Government’s Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) following feasibility assessments supported by Wine Australia.
Wine One and Packamama were selected from six feasibility-stage recipients announced earlier this year. Both recipients have received $1 million to further develop and test their proposed low-emissions alternatives to traditional glass bottles.
Wine One will advance development of its stainless steel wine bottle, validating its technical, regulatory and market readiness. Tailored for the premium market segment, the bottle has received letters of support from several Australian wine producers.
Packamama will utilise the funding to validate its polymer wine bottles for wine preservation, emissions reduction and consumer appeal.
Wine Australia’s ESG Manager Julian Marchant said both packaging solutions are expected to reduce packaging weights, increase transport efficiencies and provide further opportunities for wineries to maximise market access and reduce high costs associated with new Extended Producer Responsibility legislation in the UK and select European Union nations.
Packaging and transport currently account for the majority of the wine sector’s carbon footprint, making alternative packaging a priority area for innovation.
The proof-of-concept phase will involve prototype development, life-cycle assessment and industry engagement to help determine the commercial viability of the packaging formats.