Wine in a pouch vs wine in glass
4 September 2023
Wine in a pouch vs wine in glass
We’re no strangers to comments like “Wine in plastic – no thanks” or “How can plastic be better than glass for the environment?” – we’ve heard them all!
Yet, our mission goes beyond just offering an alternative; it’s about transforming perceptions and setting a new standard in an industry rooted in tradition.
Why Greenskin Wine Pouches Trump Glass:
Researchers have known for at least a decade that the single largest portion (*68%) of the carbon footprint of a bottle of wine comes from the energy used to manufacture that bottle, transport it to the winery to be filled and then distribute it around the globe for consumption. *Source: Australian Wine Research Institute.
Plus, it is a fact that the majority of wines are consumed within two weeks of purchase, making glass (initially intended for cellaring) less than optimal for sustainability.
The Realities of Glass:
Contrary to popular belief, glass poses environmental challenges due to:
- Glass is extremely energy intensive to produce.
- Glass is bulky and heavy to transport.
- The shape of a typical wine bottle is inefficient, meaning it takes up more space when being transported, meaning more trucks and more emissions.
- While glass bottles would be ideal if they were continually washed and refilled, over 50% of glass bottles end up in Australian landfills, regardless of the bin colour they're placed in.
- An Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation report has estimated that of the 1.3 million tonnes of glass discarded in Australia each year, less than half – 46 per cent – is recovered.
- When it is recycled, it has to be sorted and reheated. More energy. More carbon!
How do Greenskin Wine Pouches Compare?
- A Greenskin pouch takes 80% less energy to produce than an equivalent 750ml glass bottle.
- A Greenskin pouch emits far fewer carbon emissions to transport due to its lightweight, compact nature.
- To put this into perspective, let's consider a scenario where one truckload of empty Greenskin pouches is transported to a winery for filling. If we were to transport the same volume of empty glass bottles, it would require a staggering twenty-six (26) trucks!
- This is before the containers get filled, and sent to the market, where Greenskin is 60% of the weight and the space of standard 750ml glass bottles, further reducing harmful carbon emissions.
- Greenskin Wine pouches are 100% recyclable and we make if free and easy to do so!
Our Recycling System Is Back On Track
Welcome to our new rocking recycling partner, Plasmar!
When you return your wine pouches, Plasmar transforms them into long-life, environmentally friendly alternatives to timber. See full story here.
3 Easy Steps To Recycle Your Greenskins
You enjoy quality wine, anywhere!
Order online and have your wine delivered anywhere within Australia. Sip and savour our premium wines.
Send back your eompty pouches
Pop your six empty pouches into the prepaid post-pack which is supplied in every case.
Drop into your nearest mail box
Drop your post-pack in the mail and relax knowing every part of your pouch will be 100% recycled!
Greenskin Wine has been created with great consideration for its effects on the environment.
The contrast to glass in environmental footprint is undeniable, and we trust this gives you a better understanding.
The added bonus is that the custom pouches we use for our wines do not affect the taste in any way, and the shelf life is exceeding our initial expectations.
It’s a win, win, win!
If you have any comments or feedback, please be sure to contact us at hello@greenskinwine.com. Your voice fuels our journey.
Cheers,
Mike and Kim
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