In recent years, wineries and winemakers have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of wine production and distribution. Many companies are now changing their farming practices to be more climate-friendly and considering sustainability in packaging and distribution. However, wine bottle weight, which accounts for 29% of wine’s carbon footprint, remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.
I recently spoke with Ron Rubin of Sonoma County vintner and BLUE BIN founder Ron Rubin Winery to discuss the launch of the brand’s new 100% recyclable wine bottles and the Learn more about how other people can join this trend.
RON BLUE BIN is the first premium wine to be packaged in 750ml bottles made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) plastic, these bottles are smaller, lighter and shatterproof than traditional bottles. has taught me that it is completely recyclable. As a wine industry veteran, Ron also talked about how and why BLUE BIN was founded and the current state of the wine industry.
Christopher Marquis: Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the Blue Bin brand. Where did the name Bluebin come from?
Ron Rubin: There were many inspirations behind the BLUE BIN brand. As a Certified B Corporation, one of the pillars of our sphere of influence is to prioritize protecting the planet, and Ron Rubin Winery is fully committed to this.
Several studies have found that the bottle weight of wine glasses alone (420 to 850 grams) accounts for 29% of the carbon footprint of wine. That motivated us to find solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. The BLUE BIN bottle weighs 52. grams.
Additionally, I read a study by Sonoma State University showing that 90% of all wine is consumed within a week or two of purchase. So we thought we needed a better wine packaging alternative to the traditional wine-by-the-glass packaging. Environmentally friendly and perfect for the majority of wine lovers who consume a bottle within 2 weeks.
The inspiration behind the name came to me last summer while driving to the winery on Route 116 (Gravenstein Highway) outside Sebastopol. That’s when I noticed all the blue recycling bins on the road ready to be picked up that day. While looking for an alternative bottle to combat the waste from traditional wine bottles, they discovered they could produce 100% rPET bottles. I also felt that BLUE BIN was perfect, knowing that all the recycled material for making rPET comes from blue bins. name.
Marquis: What was the process like to create a 100% recyclable bottle made from 100% recycled materials? What are the features of this bottle?
Rubin: We partnered with Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, to create the BLUE BIN bottle, America’s first wine bottle made from 100% recycled materials. BLUE BIN would not have been launched without the leadership, support and collaboration of Amcor. It was a very enjoyable collaboration and learning experience for all.
Blue Bin’s First Bottle Helps More Wineries Stop Buying Glass Bottles Over 420 Grams And Use 100% Recycled PET Bottles For Their In-House Wines That Are Consumed Immediately By Consumers I would like to encourage you to consider this. .
Marquis: How can other wine brands follow in Blue Bottle’s footsteps and build a more sustainable and sustainable wine industry? Do you have any recommendations for wineries that want to become a B Corp?
Rubin: More wineries should be willing to use some alternative packaging (rPET, aluminum, lightweight glass) for their wines in their business. By recognizing packaging and knowing which is better for the planet, we can create a more sustainable and earth-friendly wine industry.
My recommendation for any winery wishing to be B Corp certified is to join the movement to be part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact while striving for continuous improvement. is to Small steps can help the planet, and taking those steps as soon as possible can help build a better future for people and the planet.
But the process was long, difficult, and exciting at the same time. It took 651 days from start to finish. Due to our commitment to transparency and rigorous scoring across the five impact areas of our B impact assessment (Workers, Environment, Governance, Customers and Community), all pillars that Ron Rubin Winery proudly adheres to. And I think there are more wineries that haven’t embarked on this journey. To.
Marquis: The wine industry has been greatly impacted by climate change, whether it’s fires or droughts. What does the future of wine look like and why is it important for consumers to take action to drink more sustainably?
Rubin: The future of wine can be bright as long as winemakers and consumers work together to make positive, earth-friendly decisions throughout the process of making and buying wine. As you know, the wine industry can have a huge impact on the environment, from packaging to agricultural practices. Along with Bluebin, there are many wineries and advocates who have been vocal about how to make the industry better for the planet, such as packaging, which is known to make up his 29% of the industry’s carbon footprint.
A good first step for consumers is to do research to find and buy alternative sustainable packaging to enjoy their favorite wines with less impact on the planet.
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