Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/643683
52 WINES&VINES March 2016 PACKAGING "We use quality plastic labels that render beautifully on the finished product. We've found that plastic-to-plastic labeling is more compatible than paper-to-plastic for 187ml- sized PET bottles," she reported. "We modified our existing bottling facility to accommodate 187ml-format production, focusing on our most manual line for modifi- cation. Specifically, we modified the filler spouts and the capper, developed a new box to pack into and also adjusted for bottle re- ceiving," Cochran said. Sarah Brennan, Amcor market manager for spirits, wine and beer, added, "The single-serve market has seen strong, steady growth, and we don't foresee that trend changing any time soon." More news is coming with the introduction of full-size 750ml PET wine bottles from Bronco Wine Co. With an estimated production of 11 million cases per year for its multiple brands, it's the sixth larg- est wine producer in the United States. According to Amcor, Bronco is field-testing its Green Fin and Hacienda brands in 750ml PET bottles and "is seriously consider- ing a major packaging switch from glass to plastic for both retail and airline segments." Bronco is perhaps best known for its acquisition and relaunch of the Charles Shaw brand, which rocketed to fame in 2003 as "Two- Buck Chuck" in Trader Joe's mar- kets. Amcor's release included a quote from Bronco co-founder CEO Fred Franzia: "The conver- sion to PET packaging in 750ml will be a game-changing event in the wine industry.…The use of lightweight PET and other associated eco- friendly packaging features takes us to the next level in terms of sustainability and further ex- pands the Green Fin brand potential." Green Fin organic wine is being field tested through Trader Joe's; the Hacienda bottles are used for first-class service on U.S. airlines. Because of their light weight, air- lines have led the way to adoption of wine in PET packaging. According to Amcor, the PET bottles are 100% recyclable and use PET labels (eliminating contamination in the re- cycling stream). At about one-sixth the weight of standard glass bottles, they use short-skirt ROPP aluminum screwcaps, which are removable prior to recycling. The lightweight package does not require bulky case cartons; instead bottles arrive on shrink-wrapped trays. Amcor claims its PET bottles provide extended shelf life because they are lined with a silicon oxide (SiOx) barrier from KHS Plasmax GmBH. The glass- like material "seals the container from the inside to protect the contents from oxida- tion," Amcor stated. "This ultrathin (less than 100nm) mate- rial is transparent and resists cracking, abra- sion and delamination. Moreover, it doesn't degrade over time nor limit the storage time for empty bottles. The barrier coating is eas- ily removed during the recycling process and does not contaminate the recycling system, providing Bronco a fully recy- clable container." Bronco performed an 18- month evaluation to validate color, taste and overall quality of wines in the 750ml PET contain- ers. Ultimately the California Cer- tified Organic Farmers approved the package, and the mobile ser- vice Halsey Bottling filled them without issue on its bottling line. The increased use of PET bot- tles by a few companies while most others stick with traditional glass is a good example of how change comes gradually to the wine industry. Often the highest priced wines have the most to lose in terms of perceived quality with any change in packaging, so they may proceed slowly. But oth- ers looking to save money, land a new sales channel or even just get noticed are the ones that push the envelope. Green Fin is one of two brands Bronco Wine Co. is testing with consumers in 750ml bottles made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material. Custom made - Handcrafted Barrels