How much do we contribute to environmental destruction every time we open a bottle of wine? Does the question seem excessive? Probably outrageous? And yet, given that Greenhouse gas emissionsas a result of anthropogenic activities, are directly intertwined with accelerated rates changing of the climate registered all over the world wine industry has its own, far from insignificant share in this process. And the biggest culprit is the glass bottle.

In the US, the Wine Institute and the California Wine Association recently published a comprehensive study that calculates the carbon footprint of bottled wine, from primary production to commercialization—that is, from vine to shelf. The use of plant protection products in the vineyard accounts for 17% of CO2 emissions, fuel consumption in the winery – 7%, transportation to the consumer – 13%, and glass packaging – 29%, that is, the lion’s share. What needs to be done? Can there be wine without a glass bottle? Is the problem recognized by the wine world? Is this discussion open in Greece as well?

“Of course, we are talking about this, we are concerned about this issue. Reducing the environmental impact of wine is part of a green transition, so the wine industry cannot be excluded from this consideration.” Stellios Boutaris, managing director of Kir-Yannis. “Alternative packaging for wines and spirits is an international trend. In the USA, more and more products are sold in aluminum cans, in Europe, “Bag in Box” packaging is quite popular. One thing is for sure: the bottle will never disappear. It may become lighter, but its presence will remain dominant. It is intertwined with wine.” Kyr-Yannis has thought about making some of its labels available in “greener” packaging. “Although we are thinking about it, we have not decided yet. This venture is risky, as it involves a profound change in Greek wine culture: most consumers still consider wine with a screw cap or in a bag to be “cheap”…

Light bottles

The alternative packaging for bottling runs counter to the culture of many consumers who view bottled wine as “cheap”.

However, Alpha Manor in Amintayo has already taken the first step, as says “K” its co-founder, oenologist chemist Angelos Iatridis. “Having already adopted and implemented 20% lighter glass bottles for 95% of our production compared to the previous decade, we plan to transition to alternative packaging in the coming years by building the appropriate infrastructure. Our environmental empathy is launching a coordinated and multi-layered effort in this direction.” According to wrap.org, reducing the weight of a wine bottle (0.75L) by 20% reduces CO2 emissions per 100g per bottle in the production and transport of packaging. “A 40% reduction in weight would reduce CO2 emissions by 234g,” emphasizes Mr. Yatridis. “That’s why alternative packaging methods like aluminum cans, stainless steel kegs and lightweight bottles are starting to spark our interest. This does not mean, of course, that the romance associated with the beauty of a glass bottle of wine does not remain strong.

This romanticism comes from what she emphasizes Terrible Presence, oenologist at Parparousi’s native winery. “The French, who have associated their culture with the culture of wine, say the proverb: “Good wine needs only a bottle and a cork.” That is, they are interested not so much in the aesthetics of the label as in the contents of the bottle itself. Because a good wine, when it is bottled, develops, grows beautifully, retains its aromas and evolves to become even better.” According to Ms. Parparousis, solutions must be sought elsewhere to reduce the environmental impact of wine. “I’m trying to understand why we are not phasing out plastic packaging, which is so burdensome to the environment and harmful to the health of consumers. Even Tetra Pak is made not only from paper, but also from several layers of plastic. In addition, all winemakers pay a recycling fee for every bottle we sell. Why is there no pressure on the municipalities to finally manage glass recycling better, separate it by color and keep the glass bottle as the “incubator” in which our wines will grow?

“Best friends”

He also agrees with this Kyriakos Kinigopoulos, an eminent Greek oenologist from Burgundy, France. “Of course, the use of glass bottles is detrimental to the environment, but glass is wine’s best friend. Therefore, solutions must be found! It is better, in my opinion, to promote recycling. However, we must seek, through scientific research, new materials that will allow us to produce bottles that are lighter and easier to handle in terms of recycling.”

“The glass bottle has been the best container for wine for centuries. To date, we have not found a serious replacement for him, ”the winemaker notes. Apostolos Mudrikhas, owner of the Awadis estate. “Of course, the threats to the environment are great, and all sectors of the economy should show the same interest. What should we do; First of all, let’s leave the exaggerations. Until a few years ago, if the bottle was not heavier than the contents, the wine had no prestige! Today, the solution is lighter bottles and a better understanding of recycling.”