APPE (formerly known as Artenius PET Packaging) has reported a 100% increase in the number of PET bottles it has supplied for this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau vintage, confirming the growing popularity of PET for wine packaging.

Other major orders the company has taken in the wine sector include 750ml and 187ml bottles for a South African winery and the supply of 187ml bottles for in-flight wines to two of Europe’s leading airlines. Total PET wine bottle production for APPE during 2010 has grown by 45%, with stronger growth forecast next year.

The company says this growth in demand reflects the results of recent research from the consultancy Wine Intelligence which found that the PET bottle had become the preferred alternative to glass for wine.  APPE believes that PET is recognised in particular for its reduced transportation costs, convenience and environmental benefits.

For example, the 750ml bottle weighs just 50g compared to the typical weight of a same size glass bottle of between 350g to 600g.  PET also matches glass as a 100% recyclable material and offers a considerably lower carbon foot print even when compared to glass wine bottles with the highest level of recycled content achievable. 

A major advantage of PET bottles is that they do not break, unlike glass, which improves safety on filling lines, export transportation, supermarkets and at home with consumers. 

APPE wine bottles also contain an active barrier system, which means that wine is stored safely within the PET bottle, without compromising taste or quality.

The PET bottles echo the design of the traditional glass bottle, reinforcing wine’s premium image.  They feature a stipple base, which prevents leaks during filling caused by conveyor friction, and incorporate a screw top closure for maximum convenience.  They can be filled on the same filling lines and at the same speed as glass bottles.

The impressive growth in demand underlines consumer acceptance of PET as a suitable pack format for wine,” comments Sylvain Houard of APPE.  “Our PET bottles enable the quality of the wine to be preserved while offering important benefits in terms of convenience and an improved environmental profile, both of which are important purchasing considerations among consumers.”

November 2010