McGuigan Wines, part of Australian Vintage and one of Australia’s most awarded wine brands, has announced a major sustainability milestone by transitioning key ranges in its portfolio to a new, super lightweight 300g glass bottle. This move represents a significant step forward in the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, with plans to implement the change across select ranges within its portfolio in 2025.
The 300g super lightweight bottle will be implemented across an estimated 13.5 million bottles in 2025, equating to 2.2 million cases which is projected to save approximately 336,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions annually during the glass production process. This reduction aligns with Australian Vintage’s ongoing efforts to lower carbon emissions in the global wine industry.
Australian Vintage was awarded B Corp certification in February 2024, joining a global movement of businesses striving to create an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. As a certified B Corp, Australian Vintage upholds the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Julian Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at Australian Vintage, commented: “Sustainability is paramount to our success in the future. Our approach is a balanced one, encompassing our responsibilities across environment, social, and governance (ESG) pillars. Supporting Australian Vintage’s ambitious goal to achieve Net Zero by 2040 across our entire value chain, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, is a key priority. The transition to the 300g lightweight bottle represents a significant step in reducing our carbon footprint while upholding the premium quality our customers trust and value.”
McGuigan Wines is proud to be the first major wine brand to launch this groundbreaking innovation to the UK market, retaining its classic Bordeaux design to meet customer expectations for quality and aesthetic appeal while delivering measurable sustainability benefits.
“We are thrilled to be leading the way as the first wine brand to adopt the 300g lightweight bottle on such a scale,” said Julian Dyer. “Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy, and this transition highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation and reducing our carbon footprint. By making this change, McGuigan Wines is not only meeting the growing demand for environmentally responsible products but setting a benchmark for the industry.”
The wines will be packed at Greencroft Bottling, a state-of-the-art facility known for its commitment to renewable energy. Powered predominantly by wind and solar, including 3 wind turbines and a solar installation producing 4.6 megawatts of energy, Greencroft Bottling exemplifies sustainable manufacturing.
The 300g bottle, developed by Verallia, one of the world’s leading glass manufacturers, is made from approximately 30% recycled glass and is designed specifically for the wine sector. It maintains the iconic Bordeaux aesthetic while achieving a 25% CO2 reduction compared to the standard 400g glass bottle traditionally used in the industry.
“This lightweight bottle is a game-changer for the wine industry,” added Julian Dyer. “It’s a perfect example of how innovation and sustainability can work together to deliver both premium quality and meaningful environmental benefits.”
By being the first wine brand to bring this innovative packaging solution to market, McGuigan Wines’ and Australian Vintage is reaffirming its leadership in sustainability and aligning with evolving consumer preferences for environmentally conscious products. This initiative marks a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of wine production, while maintaining the premium standards McGuigan Wines is known for worldwide.
