Merry and Bright Bottles: Porto Protocol’s ‘Unpackaging Wine’ Introduces Eco-Conscious Packaging

On December 12, the Wine Travel Awards team participated in the online launch of “Unpackaging Wine: A Practical Journey through the Environmental Landscape of Packaging.” Sponsored by Wines of Portugal, this groundbreaking guide by The Porto Protocol empowers wine producers to make informed decisions about packaging, reducing environmental impact.

“What makes this guide stand out is its practical approach. It’s not just about highlighting problems; it provides solutions across all markets, allowing the industry to choose wisely,” said Marta Mendonça of The Porto Protocol.

Unpackaging Wine

Renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson MW praised the guide’s pragmatic design during the webinar: “I can see that more and more wine producers are becoming aware that glass bottle production and transport are significant contributors to the carbon footprint of wine. This guide answers the big question on many producers’ minds: ‘How do I join the party? What should I do? What are the alternatives?'”

The guide, spanning five comprehensive chapters, was crafted by a team of global experts, including Marta Mendonça (The Porto Protocol), Dr. Armando Corsi (University of Adelaide), Rowena Curlewis (CEO of Denomination), Professors Rainer Jung and Rainer Loose (Geisenheim University), Marta Juega, PhD (PI Concept), Melissa Saunders MW (Communal Brands), and Arthur Erdem (IPEF). It explores the lifecycle of packaging, tackling topics like carbon footprints, consumer perceptions, global regulatory trends, and practical strategies for sustainable wine packaging.

Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of The Porto Protocol and The Fladgate Partnership, described the guide as a “living document” that evolves to provide actionable solutions for the wine industry. This launch follows the 2024 strategic partnership between the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) and The Porto Protocol, furthering collaborative efforts to combat climate change and foster sustainability in winemaking.

For wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, “Unpackaging Wine” is an invaluable resource. Explore the guide and its forward-thinking approach to sustainable packaging by visiting The Porto Protocol’s website or viewing the Unpackaging Wine Guide Launch Webinar. Launched just before Christmas, this pivotal guide sets the stage for meaningful progress in the wine industry’s environmental impact, proving that sustainability and innovation in the wine industry go hand in hand.



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