SUSTAINABLE wine packaging innovator 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.
The grant will support the firm’s efforts to test the technical and commercial viability of creating sustainable packaging for Australian wines, including for some premium and longer shelf-life commercial wines.
Supported by the department of industry, science and resources, and Wine Australia, the initiative addresses the wine sector’s challenge of reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the standards associated with premium packaging.
Packamama’s approach aims to deliver a ‘lighter, more sustainable’ solution. The company’s project will build upon the success of its 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: researching polymers and performance additives to overcome oxygen permeability and aroma absorption; digitally simulating the bottle design and shelf-life performance to achieve the performance and aesthetic standards expected of some premium Australian wines; and exploring manufacturing technologies to enable wide-scale adoption across Australia and beyond.
Santiago Navarro, CEO & founder of Packamama, said, “We are excited to lead the way in transforming the wine industry’s approach to packaging. 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. By moving beyond traditional glass, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to Australia’s net-zero goals.”
The project will involve feasibility studies over the next four months. Packamama is the trading name of Delivering Happiness International Pty Ltd that was awarded the grant.
