Because they can be recycled, glass bottles are generally regarded as relatively environmentally friendly. But this often fails to take account of their weight and the associated transport costs. It would save fuel worth hundreds of millions of dollars if alone the wine bottles that are transported throughout the USA every year were made of paper. A conventional glass wine bottle weighs half a kilo, so at 65 grams its paper equivalent is a real lightweight by comparison.

Only the liner is plastic. Much like a wine box, the paper bottle contains a plastic bladder into which the beverage is decanted. When the bottle is empty the paper sleeve can be torn up and the liner removed. Both parts can then be recycled. Despite this plastic content, paper bottles have a better carbon footprint than their glass counterparts. In Europe, 91% of discarded paper is recycled, compared with only 28% of glass waste. Wine is a special product that manages to unite connoisseurs and gourmets, young and old, traditionalists and trend-setters. In view of this, one of the challenges for the paper bottles was how it would be received in a market such as this which is characterized by different tastes and perceptions of what constitutes style. To thwart this, the design of the paper bottle mimics that of a traditional Bordeaux wine bottle and it is also printed in the style of a glass wine bottle. Other paper bins are based on their paragons made of glass as well and indicate their purpose.

Lighter to carry and efficient cooling. Apart from its eco-friendly credentials, the paper bottle also offers a number of advantages for everyday use. They are lighter to carry, do not break and do not have to be taken to a glass recycling facility. The better insulation in the paper bottle keeps beverages cooler for longer. And according to the manufacturer, the paper sleeve is strong enough to withstand three hours in an ice bucket without falling apart.

 

Sources

Fox News (2013):
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/11/05/paper-wine-bottles-coming-to-store-near/

Pulp & Paper Canada (2014):
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/news/kruger-invests-in-paper-bottle-technology/1003037880/?&er=NA

Ecologic (2014):
http://www.ecologicbrands.com/

Paperboy Wines (2014):
http://www.paperboywines.com/