Food and drug retailer Albertsons Companies has unveiled Bee Lightly, the latest addition to its Own Brands wine collection, packaged in 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) bottles.  

This initiative, claimed to be the first in the US wine market, demonstrates the retailer’s commitment to sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining the high-quality taste consumers expect. 

The Bee Lightly range features Packamama's flat bottle design, crafted from rPET, which is 87% lighter than materials used in traditional glass bottles and fully recyclable.  

Packamama's flat packaging design has also reduced environmental impact due to lower transportation emissions compared to conventional wine bottle shapes. 

In addition, the packaging improves logistics efficiency, allowing for nearly double the number of products to be transported on a single pallet. 

Using these Packamama bottles, Bee Lightly achieved a 44% reduction in the number of pallets required for shipping compared to standard glass bottles.  

Albertsons Own Brands SVP Brandon Brown said: "The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship. 

“Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognise the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavour at an affordable price.” 

The new wine selection includes carefully chosen chardonnay and rosé varietals from the emerging Hérault and Limoux regions. 

Bee Lightly is now available at select Albertsons stores, including Safeway and Vons. 

It will soon be available for delivery through Vine & Cellar in California.