Image courtesy Packamama
Sustainable wine packaging company Packamama has secured a $100,000 feasibility grant from the Australian Government under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), Renewables and Low Emissions Round. This grant – part of $1.43 million for wine packaging, safe drinking water, and energy efficiency in commercial fishing to 15 small and medium sized Australian enterprises – will support Packamama’s efforts to test the technical and commercial viability of creating sustainable packaging for Australian wines, including for some premium wines and longer shelf-life commercial wines.
Supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, along with Wine Australia, the initiative addresses a significant challenge for the wine industry: reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high-quality standards associated with premium wine packaging. Manufacturing wine packaging and transporting packaged wine accounted for 74% of the industry’s carbon emissions in 2020-21, due to the weight of glass bottles and their energy-intensive production. Packamama’s approach aims to deliver a lighter, more sustainable solution that meets consumer expectations for premium wine quality.
The project will build upon the success of Packamama’s 100% recycled PET eco-flat bottle, designed primarily for commercial wines, to test for a new packaging solution that supports some premium wine aging and longer shelf-life commercial wines for export.
Key focus areas include:
- Advanced materials: Researching polymers and performance additives to overcome oxygen permeability and aroma absorption, enhancing shelf life and wine protection.
- Innovative design: Digitally simulating the bottle design and shelf-life performance to achieve the performance and aesthetic standards expected of some premium Australian wines.
- Scalable production: Exploring manufacturing technologies to enable wide-scale adoption across Australia and beyond.
Santiago Navarro, CEO and founder of Packamama, said the company was excited to “lead the way” in changing the industry’s packaging approach.
“This grant allows us to accelerate our vision of combining sustainability with functionality to better meet the demands of more Australian wine producers and consumers, including those overseas,” said Navarro. “By moving beyond traditional glass, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to Australia’s net-zero goals.”
Looking Ahead
After officially commencing on 16th December 2024, the project will involve comprehensive feasibility studies over the next four months.
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