GLASS packaging manufacturer Vetropack has developed two new sustainable solutions for the Austrian wine industry.
The firm revealed it has further developed the 0.75-litre Rhinewine bottle, reducing its weight while retaining the same dimensions. Weighing just 350 grams, it is described as currently the lightest Rhinewine bottle in Europe. At the same time, Vetropack is supporting the recently introduced reusable wine bottle system in Austria with a reusable Rhinewine bottle.
The reduced bottle weight lowers CO₂ emissions throughout the supply chain. It also reduces material, logistics, and licensing costs – particularly relevant for export markets with weight restrictions on glass packaging.
Vetropack revealed that the lightweight bottle is made from around 80% recycled glass. Compared with a conventional Rhinewine bottle, the lightweight version generates 33 grams, or 13%, less CO₂ over a transport distance of 100 kilometres.
Despite its reduced weight, the bottle is said to retain its familiar shape without compromising stability or functionality.
“Reducing the weight of a 750-ml Rhinewine bottle to 350 grams is a significant technological achievement,” said Harald Geist of Vetropack. “The key was working closely with our technical teams to develop a solution that not only meets the mechanical requirements of our customers’ bottling and logistics processes but also delivers an attractive appearance. The tests confirm that we have achieved this goal.”
Meanwhile, following a two-year development phase, a pooling scheme for reusable wine bottles is being launched in Austria. The Austrian Ecology Institute is coordinating the project in collaboration with winegrowers and key stakeholders. Vetropack is already producing the new returnable Rhinewine bottles at its Pöchlarn site. The olive-green bottle has been available to all businesses participating in the pool scheme since spring 2026. The pool is managed by the Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen.
“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 green events,” added Harald Geist. “In addition to CO₂ savings of up to 90% across the value chain, users also benefit from standardised processes, for example in cleaning and logistics.”
With a height of 340mm, the bottle is said to be optimised for efficiency in logistics and can be stacked up to four layers high. A four-sided reusable embossing ensures the bottle remains identifiable at all times.
A reinforced, specially developed neck is designed to ensure the necessary robustness for reusable cycles and industrial filling processes. The first market participants are already using the system, and the solution is attracting interest in neighbouring countries. A matching six-pack crate is expected to be launched later this summer.
