THE demand for innovation, environmental awareness and affordability has led to the launch of Flutterby Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc - an innovative, environmentally friendly and affordable new range in soft, slim 750ml PET wine bottles – by Boland Cellar.
“Environmental awareness is part and parcel of social responsibility,” says Jean du Toit, MD of Boland Vineyards International.
“When we introduced a Social Responsibility Audit into our business more than a year ago, we realised that we had to incorporate more environmental awareness into our packaging, but we wanted to do this in an innovative way. In PET bottles, we found a solution to both requirements.”
PET wine bottles are 100% recyclable, lightweight, can be resealed and are virtually unbreakable.
Not only are greenhouse gas emissions reduced by approximately 55% through the use of PET if compared with glass, but the nett energy consumption during manufacturing is also halved.
Because of the reduced weight (PET weighs 15% less than the average glass bottle) and smaller diameter, transport efficiencies are also substantially improved.
The PET bottles used have barriers to prevent oxygen ingress and are pigmented to ensure protection from UV light.
Blind tastings have confirmed that there is no effect on taste and the shelf life of the relevant product is guaranteed for up to two years.
The “Butterfly Effect” is a metaphor stating that small acts, such as the flutter of a Butterfly’s wings, might ultimately result in big changes. Simply choosing a low carbon footprint bottle may ultimately do the same in creating a greater environmental consciousness. The applicability of this metaphor in wine packaging was the inspiration behind the Flutterby range of wines.
Expectations are that the shatterproof and lightweight qualities of the packaging will make the product most appropriate for outdoor consumption, the style of the wines were developed accordingly.
The Flutterby Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, but with a rich underlay of tropical notes. The Flutterby Merlot is lush and soft with undertones of careful oaking to complement the fruit.
“While other wines in this inventive new packaging have been available to consumers at a limited number of retail outlets for a few months, Boland Cellar is one of the first commercial producers to partner with leading retailers to offer a broad reach in distribution in the value market segment,” states du Toit.
