Marks & Spencer packs its wine in PET

Marks & Spencer will convert its range of mini still wine bottles to PET, saving 525 tonnes of packaging a year. The range includes 19 bottles of red, white and rose wine.

The mini bottles are 88% lighter than glass bottles and are eco-friendly. Less energy is required to manufacture a PET bottle than a glass bottle, and the lightweight bottle reduces the carbon footprint in transport and distribution.

The retailer has been working in partnership with Paul Sapin and Roger Harris Wines to develop the technology behind the bottles, which will keep wine fresh for at least 12 months.

Traditionally, PET has been used for sporting events or in-flight catering where there is a very fast turnover, but with oxygen barrier technology, it is now possible to achieve a longer shelf life.

Belinda Kleinig, M&S winemaker, commented, “This is really exciting for M&S as it means our customers can enjoy the same great quality wine but in much lighter bottles, which is not only easier for them to carry, but better for the environment.”

The technology used to produce PET for wine bottles has taken over two years to develop. It’s made with two layers of polyethylene terephthalate and a barrier material in between which blocks oxygen entering the bottles - oxygen being the enemy of good quality wine.

As well as being more eco-friendly, the lightweight bottles are also more practical for customers - lighter in weight to carry and shatterproof, therefore perfect for picnics and outdoor summer concerts.