The wine industry is experiencing a quiet, but significant, revolution – one driven by a growing commitment to sustainability. A recent Drinks Business report highlights a key strategy: lighter bottles. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a tangible response to mounting environmental concerns and increasingly stringent industry targets.
Kellerei Kurtatsch Leads the Way
Leading the charge is Kellerei Kurtatsch Winery in Alto Adige, Italy. In 2025, the winery launched a redesigned ‘Selection’ line incorporating lighter bottles, drastically reduced CO₂ emissions, and packaging constructed with 75% recycled materials. The impact is substantial – a 28% reduction in glass weight, translating to a 135g CO₂ saving per bottle. This equates to approximately 107 tonnes of CO₂ reduction annually.
President Andreas Kofler emphasized that this transition is central to the winery’s broader sustainability strategy. “We believe that responsible production isn’t just about the quality of our wine,” Kofler stated, “it’s about minimizing our impact on the planet.”
Beyond Kurtatsch: Wider Industry Adoption
Kellerei Kurtatsch’s actions are not isolated. Other prominent wineries are mirroring this approach. Argea, for example, has adopted lightweight bottles, transitioned to sustainable packaging materials, and invested in renewable energy sources across its facilities. Sustainability director Michael Isnardi explained, “Reducing our environmental footprint is a core value, and lighter bottles are a direct reflection of that.”
Champagne Canard-Duchêne has also implemented changes, limiting secondary packaging and reducing its bottle weight by 13%. This required significant investments in new production tools. The champagne house stated, “This shift underlines our dedication to minimizing waste and environmental impact.”
What This Means for Consumers
The shift towards lighter bottles benefits consumers in several ways. First, reduced shipping weight translates to lower carbon emissions during transportation – a critical factor in the wine supply chain. Second, the increased use of recycled materials contributes to a circular economy, diverting waste from landfills. Finally, many producers are offering wines in more environmentally friendly packaging, providing consumers with more sustainable choices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Reduced carbon footprint, increased use of recycled materials, lighter shipping weight, decreased waste.
Cons:
Potential initial investment costs for wineries (primarily around tooling), potential adjustments to bottle design and shape, reliance on readily available recycled materials.
Industry-wide, this trend is expected to accelerate. As consumer demand for sustainable products grows, and as wineries proactively adopt these strategies, lighter bottles and eco-friendly materials will undoubtedly become increasingly prevalent on the market.
