Oxygen-scavenging PET for Aussie wines

Taking a leading stance in innovation in the Australian wine industry, Wolf Blass Wines presents new packaging for its Green Label wine packaging with a low greenhouse footprint. Wolf Blass Green Label, in a 750-mL PET bottle comparative to an industry-standard glass bottle, appears to be the first Australian wine company to produce a wine with 29-percent less greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than before.

The Green Label wines were launched Down Under in May following a 12-month trial, development and analysis with bottle supplier VIP Packaging (www.vippackaging.com.au). The PET bottle features DiamondClear™ active oxygen-scavenging material, available through an exclusive licensing agreement with Constar Intl. (www.constar.net). The technology's oxygen-scavenger activation is assisted by the presence of moisture introduced at the time of filling. The active monolayer materials absorb oxygen, not only limiting the amount of oxygen that ingresses into the bottle, but also assists with the removal of oxygen from the headspace, ensuring that the wine delivers the same quality, taste and fresh fruit flavours within a best-before date of 12 months.

The PET material is about 90 percent lighter than glass, which makes the new bottle easier to transport, handle and pour. The PET container is also shatter-resistant, which makes it a good alternative when glass is less than ideal. The packaging can easily be crushed and folded, minimizing household waste. The new Wolf Blass Green Label wines are the first released in Australia to use DiamondClear technology. VIP Packaging offers a stock 750-mL Burgundy style bottle and 750- and 187-mL Bordeaux style bottles. It's also compatible with Novatwist closures.