The global wine industry is forecasted to hit a revenue worth $29 billion by the year 2022, and societal influences pose new opportunities and threats to establish new frontiers. The Chinese wine glass bottle factories market has been valued at about $19.5 billion worth of contributions and is the major player in tweaking the style to suit the locals’ tastes. The drastic changes in the packing style were the most renowned strategy later adopted by many other developed countries in the United Kingdom. These packages have reeked of the famous gold and red hues and aesthetic labeling designs. With the growing attention to packaging standards, the eco-friendly aspect soon reached the minds of wine-makers around the globe.
As wine consumption increased worldwide, the carbon footprint statistics made their mark to the point of concern. The viticulture process took up about 1.16 CO2 eq per bottle. However, these numbers mean nothing, as a significant portion of the carbon footprint is generated in the packaging process. For instance, a 75 cl glass bottle produced about 875 kg CO2 eq. and folded BIBs emit 8 times higher, excluding transportation. Keeping this in mind, the Frugalpac paper-based wine bottles and glass bottle manufacturing posed a tension between them.
This blog article will familiarize readers with the contemporary innovations of wine bottle packaging and the two competing wine storage methods- paper and glass.
What Are Frugalpac Wine Bottles?
Paper-based wine bottles are gaining popularity due to their colossal sustainability and remarkable decrease in carbon footprints. The most renowned paper wine bottle is the one manufactured by a British packaging company named Frugalpac. Their sustainable packaging techniques allowed consumers to recycle the packaging after spirit consumption in an easy manner.
A 75cl Frugalpac bottle is widely regarded as the most sustainable and eco-friendly innovation, with 94% recycled paperboard and a food-grade pouch. It is about five times lower in weight and capable of cooling retention for extended periods. Paper wine bottles statistically report a lower carbon footprint and efficient quality management than glass bottles with the same price range as glass ones. The award-winning Italian vineyard Cantina Goccia produced the first wine to be offered for sale- the unwooded Sangiovese red 3Q with a mix of Cabernet and Merlot.
Advantages Of A Paper Wine Bottle
The main motto of paperboard wine bottles is to create a sustainable and ecologically-friendly module for storing spirits and wines without sacrificing the taste and efficiency for which it is meant. The following characteristics were shown in the Independent Life Cycle Analysis who carried out comprehensive testing procedures alongside PET plastic and glass bottles:
Low-Carbon Footprint
Frugal paper bottles emit the lowest carbon footprint of 91.9g CO2 eq., compared to contemporary glass bottles and 100% recycled plastic wine bottles. An average beer bottle wholesale supplier produces a carbon footprint of around 382g to 558.2 CO2 eq., and that of recycled plastic is 138.6g CO2 eq. Paper wine bottles have established the highest sustainability standard, with 84% fewer emissions than glass.
Lower Plastic Component
Unlike most glass wine bottles, Frugal bottles are made of only 15g of plastic, about 77% less than bottles made of glass and 100% recycled plastics.
Lesser Water Footprint
Paper-based water bottles require less water and harmful chemicals than glass bottles. For perspective, a 345g glass bottle would require 2.5 liters, which is four times higher than what’s required for paper wine packaging. A standard-sized Frugalpac bottle would utilize about 0.6 to 1 liter.
The Efficiency Of Manufacturing
The lifecycle of wine bottle manufacturing utilizes low energy during all stages of production. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment test revealed the optimization of miner extraction, manufacturing process, filling, recycling, and incineration.
No Compromisation Of Usage
Frugalpac’s sustainable packaging is made of 94% recycled paperboard, but misconceptions often lie in lifespan and usability. The good news is that these paper-based wine bottles have a food-grade lining that keeps the wine from increasing temperature and going bad. In addition to meeting the basic wine packaging requirements, they can be recycled again.
Lightweight
A standard paper bottle weighs around 85g, making the transportation and distribution process much more optimized and simpler for the wine manufacturer. A standard glass wine bottle, on the other hand, weighs around 190 grams.
Ease Of Recycling
Recycling and disposal are made extremely easy and efficient; a consumer can effectively dismantle the food-grade pouch and the paper packaging and dispose of them in the bins where they belong.
Unique And Eye-Catching
A regular wine customer would immediately catch paper-based packaging than glass or plastic ones, enabling the wine company to build brand awareness while simultaneously caring for the environment.
Disadvantages Of A Paper Wine Bottle
While being the most biodegradable option for wine producers, there are cons to using this against glass or PET alternatives. For instance, look at the following:
Recycling Limitations
Yes, paper can be recycled, but so does glass. The fibers used in paper wine bottles are furnished with certain chemicals for longevity, thus limiting the recycling potential of normal paper.
Long-Term Damage
A study conducted by World Centric cited the harmful usage of environmentally-derived materials. Recycled paper is impure and chemically toxic compared to normal paper because of the ink removal and purity treatment.
Lower Strength
A significant limitation is the weakness of the material to withstand harsh conditions. The recycling process leads to high material loss and durability, which makes it five to six times weaker when reaching the landfill. This means that paper-based packaging is not an option for parties and travel. A standard glass whiskey bottle, on the other hand, can last for more than a lifetime.
Oxidation
Paper-based packaging, or any other wine packaging material for that matter, is not airtight material and allows oxygen penetration. To deliver the tropical taste of wine as intended by the producer, Frugal bottles pose a serious challenge.
How Do Glass Wine Bottles Compare?
Glass bottles are manufactured by extensive processing of sand, lime, soda, silica, and other recycled glass materials. It is an amorphous solid substance made of safe inorganic compounds, making it non-reactive to natural abrasions and conditions. Research shows that about 94% of the wine-consuming population prefers glass wine bottles over other packaging materials. Many people today associate wine with being a glass-stored product. Why is that the case?
The history of glass bottles dates back to the 17th century when people depended on wooden barrels to sustain their wine for cold seasons. The sensational shift in the storage can be attributed to the aero spaciousness in the wood, which allowed air penetration in the oak barrel. The oxidation process broke the wine down and led to poor quality of taste and, in certain cases, even food poisoning. Glass, as a storage solution, was around before the 17th century. However, the discovery of coal-based fuels enabled thicker glass and durability. Worldwide transportation and distribution were made possible due to this attribute.
Historically speaking, glass was traditionally in use in the form of wine and spirit glass bottles. However, its popularity goes way beyond just tradition.
Advantages Of Glass Wine Bottles
Wine Intelligence research has conducted several studies to analyze and evaluate glass wine bottles’ superiority over other packaging materials. The results were as clear as day and are heavily attributable to the following advantages:
Sustainability
From a sustainability point of view, glass containers take the cake. They are made from sand, limestone, silica, and soda ash which are completely natural and do not harm the environment through chemical-based attractions.
Moreover, contemporary glass processing methods established through substantial research developments have reduced energy consumption, even during transportation and distribution.
Consumers’ demand for eco-friendly products is at an all-time high, and the glass industry is doing a wonderful job of meeting this requirement through scientific research and developments. Glass bottles are superior to paper in terms of bulk and long-term transportation over the globe, thereby saving more than 90,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Aesthetic Value
Glass does an excellent job of showcasing the color of the wine to enhance its appeal to its customers. From the marketing perspective, wine producers prefer glass for its transparency and elegant colors and styles. It portrays a premium and luxurious feel that invokes heritage in every sip. Glass bottles come in various designs ranging from matte-black wine bottles to designer brown wine bottles and green hand of god glass bottles. When purchasing wine as a present, especially during high-end parties and events, they purchase it more for aesthetic value and elegance than anything else. This is one aspect that no other material can mimic.
Traditional Grounds
The Federation of Glass Industries survey investigated over 1000 French wine lovers from the point of view of company sustainability and tradition. Apart from quality-retention prospects, people associate wine glass with being a symbol of tradition, heritage, and European culture for its profound knowledge of viticulture. It is more than just packaging; a way of life and the pride of the nation itself. The survey cited that 94% of the respondents prefer wine glass bottles over another packaging.
UV Protection
Exposure of light to wine initiates a reaction that alters aromas and flavor, which are often unpleasant due to the formation of sulfurous compounds. Wine is extremely sensitive to light, and a few minutes of exposure can damage the quality of the wine itself. Different glass wine bottle colors can evoke different degrees of protection against UV rays. While clear glass and cool colored ones like green wine bottles and blue allow 70% to 100% of the light to pass in, an amber wine glass is an excellent choice to reflect the entire UV spectrum.
Recycling Capacities
Glass wine bottles are, in fact, more recyclable than any of the eco-friendly products mentioned, like bag-in-a-box or paper wine bottles. Recycling glass products is an efficient process that takes just a month to manufacture a new bottle from the old one. Another aspect that is significantly lacking in Frugal bottles is the endless recycling capacities. Glass can be recycled without releasing toxic chemicals or CO2 gasses and without sacrificing the quality of the next glass bottle.
Strength And Durability
The concept of wine is age-old and traditional, and over the years, people have found a number of techniques to enjoy wine in the best way possible. This aspect has a lot to do with production, storage, and consumption methods. Wine must be stored in a vessel that is not fragile and in a container that provides an airtight environment for maximum preservation. Chemically unreactive substances are a must to prevent interaction with the wine.
Today’s glass wine bottles are robust and sturdy enough to meet these criteria better than past clay containers and oak barrels. The contemporary turnkey decoration and labeling prospects further make it a wine producer’s favorite.
Airtight Hermetic
From a producer’s perspective, an hermetically sealed container can store the wine efficiently and deliver the best wine. It’s a universal fact that wine tastes better over time, requiring an optimized storage environment to prevent oxidation. Glass, fortunately, can store wine for over 100 years with greater ease. A reliable manufacturer plays a major role in the food and beverage industry by providing FDA-certified and 100% naturally sustainable glass products.
Inert Nature
Glass is easy to clean and reuse for an infinite amount of times, unlike paper or PET plastic. While these substances can react with the wine and alter its taste, glass containers can retain the natural quality of alcoholic drinks. Its inert nature makes it a wine producer’s favorite, which explains why most wine tastes better when stored in a glass.
Disadvantages Of Glass Wine Bottles
Commute emissions: Glass bottles, unfortunately, are heavier materials to transport compared to paper-based wine bottles. About 67% of the carbon footprint generated in the glass bottle manufacturing process is attributable to transportation emissions. However, recent developments aimed at reducing its weight by 30% without sacrificing the sturdiness of the bottle itself.
High Energy Consumption
Contemporary glass recycling techniques require coal furnaces that consume a large amount of energy. This proves to be a major cause of pollutant emissions.
Extraction Inefficiency
Glass containers are made from limestone, sand, and soda ash additives. The quarrying process eradicates animal habitats and also causes visual pollution.
Paper Vs. Glass: What Is More Sustainable?
It is now time to confront the elephant in the room, “is glass eco-friendly?”. Both paper and glass proved to serve current wine producers in mutually exclusive aspects. On the grounds of transportation and design prospects, paper-based bottles provide a high degree of sustainability. A classic paper wine bottle has the following components:
- Sturdy paper shell made of three die-cut paperboards
- Inner food-grade lining welded on the pouch made of the homo-polymer material neck finish
Customized wine bottle manufacturers also adhere to quality and material specifications for enhancing compatibility and styles for the clients. While both competing materials are recyclable, glass ones are much more complicated. It requires color-sorting that is not pre-done in the recycling facility. Moreover, denser glass contributed to transportation restrictions and environmental damage. The carbon footprint of paper is 84% less than glass; plastic liners occupy a negligible portion of the pollution it causes.
However, glass is considered a more viable option in the long run. Their versatility is a boon for the alcohol industry, thanks to clear glass liquor bottles ranging in various sizes. Bag-in-a-box or other paper-based packaging materials contradicts themselves in terms of sustainability. Paper wine bottles are heavily furnished and processed with reactive materials like aluminum and plastic compounds on the grounds of strength and durability, which glass naturally provides. Consumers also reportedly found difficulty separating the recyclable and non-recyclable components during disposal.
Glass can undergo infinite reprocessing without sacrificing quality. According to England’s national recycling campaign, the average recycling rate of glass bottles is 80%, while that of paper is 66.2%. In conclusion, paper wine bottles are not made for high-end wine storage due to their limited shelf-life of 12 to 18 months.
Conclusion
Customized wine glass suppliers can now create slimmer, lightweight, and more durable bottles, all thanks to cutting-edge technologies. The sustainability of wine bottles will continue to be improved to satisfy consumer demand. The plurality of wine enthusiasts in several European nations like Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK concur that glass bottles are a more environmentally friendly option for wine packaging than other types of materials.
The quality of wine bottles heavily differs depending on the manufacturers. Roetell is a reliable glass bottle manufacturer with over 38 years of experience in glass-blowing. We produce outstanding UV-protected glass bottles with a wide range of aesthetic colors for blue, red, dark, or champagne. Being heat and pressure-resistant, our products provide stability and BPA-free usage with a range of volume capacities while retaining the essence of tradition. After all, a wine glass is a medium of pride. Contact us to request a quote today!