Vetropack is breaking new ground in improving the ecological sustainability of the Austrian wine industry with two innovative solutions. The glass packaging manufacturer has significantly reduced the weight of the classic 0.75-litre bottle while maintaining the same dimensions. At the same time, Vetropack is supporting the reusable system for wine bottles recently introduced in Austria with a newly developed reusable bottle.
Vetropack has further developed the classic 0.75-litre Rhine wine bottle and significantly reduced its weight. At just 350 grams, it is the lightest of its kind in Europe. Despite the weight reduction, the bottle retains its original dimensions, meaning no adjustments to existing filling lines are necessary. The lower bottle weight reduces CO₂ emissions throughout the entire supply chain – from production and transport to distribution. Additionally, material, logistics, and licensing costs are reduced. This is particularly relevant for export markets with weight restrictions for glass packaging. Regional production in Austria also shortens transport routes and improves the product's environmental footprint. Furthermore, the lightweight bottle is made from around 80 percent recycled glass.
Support for the new reusable system
Almost simultaneously, a pooling system for reusable wine bottles will be introduced in Austria following a two-year development phase. The Austrian Ecolabelling Institute is coordinating the project in close cooperation with vintners and key stakeholders. Vetropack is already producing the new Rhinewine reusable bottles at its Pöchlarn site. The olive-green bottle has been available to all businesses participating in the pooling system since spring 2026.
„With the Pool solution, winegrowers now have access for the first time to an elegantly designed, reusable wine bottle that is particularly well suited to direct sales or use at eco-friendly events,“ says Harald Geist of Vetropack about the new system. „In addition to CO₂ savings of up to 90 per cent across the value chain, users also benefit from standardised processes, for example in cleaning and logistics.“
Measuring 340 mm in height, the bottle is designed for logistical efficiency and can be stacked up to four high. A four-sided reusable embossing ensures that the bottle remains clearly identifiable at all times. The first market players are already using the system, and the solution is also attracting interest in neighbouring countries. A matching six-pack crate is due to be launched in July.
Source: Vetropack
