ALPLA, a company specialising in plastic packaging, has announced the launch of a new recyclable wine bottle made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).  

This packaging solution cuts carbon footprints by up to 50% with potential cost savings of up to 30%.  

The bottles, available in 750ml and one-litre sizes, are currently being utilised by Austrian wine producer Wegenstein, a pilot customer and development partner of the solution.

ALPLA project manager Sebastian Rosenberger said: “The bottle has been perfectly tailored to the bottling and shipment processes. The close cooperation with the Wegenstein team significantly sped up the market launch.”  

The 750ml PET bottle is claimed to weigh 50g, which equates to 12.5% of the weight of traditional glass bottles.  

According to ALPLA, the bottles can also be made from recycled PET (rPET). 

Even without the use of rPET, the bottles reportedly achieve a 38% reduction in carbon consumption compared to glass bottles.  

Wegenstein has successfully integrated the PET bottles into its production process without any changes to its bottling lines.  

The winery’s white wine bottles recently entered the Austrian market, contributing to a nationwide bottle-to-bottle recycling loop.  

ALPLA's bottles are available in both transparent and green variants, catering to all wine types. 

Wegenstein winery managing director Herbert Toifl said: “The PET bottle lives up to what it promises. It is visually appealing, ensures our quality and is practical. We are making an innovative offer to consumers who care about our environment and our climate.”  

Last month, ALPLA inaugurated its expanded facility in Vlotho-Exter, Germany.