Wine in plastic bottles?

Pick n Pay is now offering wine bottled in plastic – to be correct, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). There are considerable benefits to using PET bottles for wine. They are light-weight and therefore significantly more eco-friendly as they require less energy to produce.

Traditionally, PET was used for sporting events or in-flight catering, where there is a very fast turnover. Now with a new oxygen barrier technology, it is possible to achieve a significantly longer shelf life, making it ideal for wine products.

Pick n Pay has joined forces with Backsberg for the launch of Tread Lightly Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, which is available exclusively at selected Pick n Pay stores in the Western Cape from late July.

Said Bronwen Rohland, Director of Sustainable Development: ‘We are aware of the concerns customers have about packaging waste. Although paper, glass, metal and plastic are used widely for food packaging, we are committed to making packaging more recyclable, reducing unnecessary packaging and researching alternative and renewable technologies. A significant amount of research goes into ensuring that all products are presented in the most suitable packaging in order to maintain product integrity, safety and quality. We are extremely mindful of the role that packaging plays in providing our customers with safe, quality food products.

Significantly less energy needed

As South Africa’s leading retailer we are proud to be the first to introduce wine bottled in PET as this speaks directly to this commitment. It is our aim to always provide consumers with choice and now we are able to provide customers with the same great quality wine that doesn’t compromise on taste, in much lighter bottles that are more portable and environmentally sound.

In addition, in a country where we spend a lot of time outdoors, the wines are perfect for activities such as picnics, as they are shatterproof and easy to transport.

The PET soft bottle delivers all the aesthetic qualities of glass, but requires significantly less energy to manufacture than glass wine bottles. PET bottles are also equipped with an oxygen barrier that ensures that product integrity is maintained for up two years, with no danger of leakage or leaching of any kind.

Up to 55% emissions reduced

Further, during production, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by up to 55% and the reduced weight and diameter of the PET bottle allows for up to 36% more product to be transported in the same container space, which ultimately means greater fuel savings and transport efficiencies.

PET is fully recyclable and easily crushable, and due to its shatterproof nature is more robust during transportation than glass.

According to Backsberg proprietor, Michael Back, sustainability is about caring for the environment. ‘As custodians of the land, it is our duty to understand and recognise potential threats, and to mitigate against them for the benefit of the next generation. By challenging packaging and transport norms, the Tread Lightly wines reflect this approach without compromising the high quality of our wines.