Choosing the Right Wine Packaging
When it comes to Wine Packaging, consumers are looking for protection and a brand experience. This includes a convenient unboxing and return experience, as well as a sustainable option.
The top choice for wine merchants is bag-in-box, followed by aluminium cans, paper-based bottles (like Frugal Bottle), PET bottles and kegs.
Glass
With wine increasingly being consumed in single-serve glasses, it is important for wine producers to consider their options for packaging. Glass bottles are attractive, durable, and can accommodate different closure options, allowing for flexibility in production. They also have a low carbon footprint, making them ideal for long-distance transportation. Moreover, they are easy to recycle. However, there are some drawbacks to using glass wine packaging: it can be heavy and shatters easily, limiting storage and mobility.
Many winemakers are exploring alternatives to traditional glass bottles, including bags-in-box and cans. These formats can have lower carbon footprints than glass, but they are not suitable for wines that require cellaring. They Gold Foil Paper Cards are also less appealing to consumers who expect quality wine in a bottle.
In order to reduce the carbon footprint of wine, some producers are using cardboard containers to package their products. This type of packaging is sustainable and recyclable, with the potential to be used in conjunction with corks and screw caps. It also enables wine producers to offer more varietals in smaller formats.
Another alternative to glass is the Frugalpac bottle, which combines a recycled paperboard shell and an inner plastic pouch. Its design is meant to mimic the appearance of a wine bottle, while being lighter than glass and cheaper. It can also be produced locally, reducing transport emissions. Furthermore, it can be run on existing bottling lines.
Aluminium
Although bottles have long been the preferred packaging for wine, alternative containers are increasingly being used to deliver high quality wines to global consumers. These alternative containers include metal cans and polyethylene tetrafthate (PET) bottles, which are lighter and offer resistance to breakage. However, they have poor stability and permeability to oxygen making them unsuitable for long term wine storage and transportation.
In order to mitigate these limitations, winemakers are exploring alternative ways of delivering their wines to the consumer in a safe and stable package. One of these alternatives is bag-in-box, which consists of a double bag made of synthetic films that protects the wine from oxygen. The outer bag is usually made of low density polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate, while the inner bag is made of polypropylene [5, 6].
However, these film materials are prone to micro-particle accumulation, which can cause wine to lose its characteristic aroma and flavor. This is exacerbated by the fact that they have a high sorption rate for non-polar compounds. In addition, the bags are prone to adsorption of volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
The use of bag-in-box is accompanied by the need for an exacting level of Potassium Sorbate to prevent microbial spoilage. This is because the hermetically sealed environment created by bag-in-box can create viable yeast cells. This can lead to the formation of unpleasant odours, such as geraniol.
BIB
BIB wine is increasingly popular for its convenience and sustainability. These alternative formats are lighter and easier to transport than glass bottles, and they also have a lower carbon footprint. This is because BIB wines are often made from recycled materials and require less energy to manufacture and transport. Moreover, they are also more recyclable than glass.
A BIB bag is an aseptic package that consists of a food-grade sack of resistant and deformable material inserted into a box of corrugated cardboard. The box protects the bag from air, preventing oxidation and ensuring an optimal preservation of the organoleptic properties of the wine inside. It also protects the wine from mechanical impacts. BIB bags are a good solution for restaurants that serve wine by the glass or for individuals who consume their wine over a long period of time.
Bag-in-box wines are also environmentally friendly, as they reduce packaging waste by eliminating the need for corks and capsules. These advantages are particularly beneficial for restaurants and bars that are looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality. In addition, the BIB’s design allows for a flexible use of the space inside the box, allowing for more creative branding.
However, a BIB’s lack of a clear expiration date can be confusing for consumers. As a result, many people attribute the poor quality of a BIB wine to the format rather than the age or style of the wine. This confusion is compounded by the fact that BIB wines aren’t commonly promoted with their recommended drinking window.
Pouches
Wine pouches are designed to be lighter and more durable than bottles. They also have a straw that creates a liquid-tight seal. This helps to prevent spills and ensure that the wine is protected from the elements, according to the company that makes them. In addition, they offer Wine Packaging a convenient alternative to traditional glass bottle packaging, which is often banned in public places such as beaches or boating.
Besides being easy to carry, the wine pouches are less costly than other kinds of wine packaging. They are also recyclable and can be used repeatedly. They also weigh twenty times less than bottles and ten times less than boxes, making them easy to transport and dispose of. In addition, they do not release any toxins when discarded, which reduces environmental degradation.
Although wine pouches are new in North America, they’re catching on with consumers who like to drink outdoors and want to avoid glassware restrictions. They’re particularly popular with hikers who are able to easily take their wine in a pouch in their backpacks. They’re also ideal for outdoor events where alcohol is sold, such as concerts and sports games.
