Since 2022, we have embarked on an ambitious journey to make environmentally friendly packaging, focusing on what represents one of the most critical elements of the wine supply chain: glass.
The challenge? Lightweight glass for our Prosecco DOC.
When it comes to bottle weight reduction, many might think of a simple and immediate solution. But in the world of Prosecco, the issue is much more complex than it seems. It is bottled under high pressure, and must be strong enough to:
- Endure the stress of pressurization;
- Maintain the quality of the product intact;
- Resist transportation, including intercontinental transportation.
Every gram less becomes a challenge to find the balance between sustainability and product safety.
Why start with bottles?
The choice to focus on bottles is not accidental: reducing the weight of glass is a necessary step to achieve low environmental impact packaging throughout the production chain. In terms ofCO2 emissions, glass represents one of the most impactful aspects of the entire wine production process. Glass production requires extremely high temperatures, and transporting heavy bottles significantly increases their carbon footprint.
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The path: from monitoring to action
2022: the year of analysis
The first step was to collect hard data: the number of bottles purchased and their average weight. Starting with 720g bottles, we began working with our suppliers to find innovative solutions.
2023-2024: the first reduction
After countless strength and stress tests during transport, we were able to reduce the weight to 600g. A reduction of 120 grams that might seem minimal, but it took months of research, testing and optimization.
What does it mean in practical terms?
For every 100,000 bottles produced, we saved 12 tons of glass, resulting in reducedCO2 emissions in both production and transportation.
2025: let's raise the bar.
Our bottles went down to 570g. Another 30 grams less, which is another significant improvement and a testament to our willingness to not stop at the first milestone achieved.
Reducing the weight of bottles has positive effects on several fronts:
- Lower emissions in production: less glass means less energy needed for melting and processing.
- More sustainable transport: lighter loads mean lower fuel consumption and lower emissions during distribution.
- Resource reduction: fewer raw materials extracted and processed to produce each bottle.
- Circular economy: lighter glass is still 100% recyclable, maintaining all the material's sustainable characteristics.
This path is just the first chapter in our strategy toward low-impact packaging that respects the environment and the quality of our wines.
Every element of our packaging is now analyzed with the same care and determination with which we approached the issue of bottle weight reduction. Because we believe that sustainability is built step by step, with patience and method.
The road is set, the direction is clear, and our commitment to a more sustainable future continues with the same passion with which we cultivate our vineyards.
CAMPAIGN FINANCED ACCORDING TO EU REG. N. 1308/2013
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