Wine enthusiasts may be concerned to learn that the traditional round glass wine bottle could soon be replaced. UK retailer, The Wine Society, has introduced a new flat plastic bottle that makes wine transportation easier and significantly reduces the company’s carbon footprint. These bottles, made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), are lighter, weighing 63g each compared to the average 460g glass bottle. They can also be stacked during transport, similar to a set of books.
To determine if the rPET packaging affects the taste of the wine, MailOnline conducted comprehensive taste tests. The Wine Society claims that the new flat bottles do not impact the flavor. MailOnline received three different high-end wines – each in both a flat rPET bottle and a traditional glass bottle. They blind tasted the wines and could not tell which bottle was which. The rPET used for the bottles complies with strict food contact compliance standards, according to the packaging company, Packamama.
The first wine tested was White Burgundy, a French white made from the Chardonnay grape. Notes of toasted hazelnut, apple, and stone fruits were detected. While the first sip of the wine from the rPET bottle seemed to have a slight hint of plastic, the second glass did not. The Grüner Veltliner, an Austrian dry white with pepper and pear aromas, was less enjoyable for the taster. It had a more acidic and alcoholic punch. However, there was no discernible difference between the rPET and glass bottle samples. The final wine, Fleurie, a red made from the French Gamay grape, was described as deep, rich, and fruity. Again, there was no difference in taste between the two bottle types.
Overall, it appears that wine lovers need not be concerned about the rPET bottles affecting the flavor of their favorite wines. The experts at The Wine Society have conducted extensive testing and could not detect any lingering traces of plastic. However, it’s important to note that rPET is only being used for wines meant to be consumed within six months. While the rPET bottles have practical advantages such as being lighter and space-efficient, there are concerns about their stability and potential for spills. Additionally, using more plastic in packaging, even if recycled and recyclable, may not be the wisest environmental choice due to plastic’s longevity and harmful impact on wildlife and human health.
Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with eight million tonnes of plastics finding their way into the ocean each year. The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is projected to exceed the amount of fish by 2050 if action is not taken. Currently, only 57% of the 30 billion plastic bottles used by UK households are recycled, with half of those going to waste. Plastic bottles contribute significantly to the increasing amount of plastic waste in the ocean, posing a threat to marine life and the ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the introduction of flat rPET bottles for wine transportation may have practical advantages, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of increased plastic use. The taste tests conducted by MailOnline suggest that the flavor of the wine is not affected, but the long-term effects of using more plastic in packaging should be carefully evaluated. Sustainable alternatives, such as exploring alternative materials or further improving glass bottle design, may be more suitable for reducing the carbon footprint of the wine industry.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
