The packaging of wine has undergone significant transformations over the years, from glass bottles to cans, followed by paper, and now, aluminium. While the evolution of packaging materials may seem like a discussion about anniversary gifts, it is, in fact, a reflection of the wine industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.
In 2023, the popular Netflix show Bodies predicted that glass wine bottles would be obsolete by 2058, replaced by paper alternatives. The series featured wines in paper bottles, designed by Frugalpac, such as a Château Montcasse Cabernet Sauvignon 2050 and a Château Serephinelle Merlot 2039 Reserve, hinting at a future where paper is the dominant packaging material.
However, the momentum behind paper wine bottles could soon face competition as a new material emerges: aluminium.
Aluminium Bottles Gaining Ground
In just the past week, two major wine brands have launched wines in aluminium bottles, signaling a shift in packaging trends.
The first to debut was Vinca, a canned wine brand, which introduced two organic wines in vibrant aluminium bottles on March 31, 2025. The wines, an organic white made from Sicilian-grown Catarratto grapes and a Syrah/Nero D’Avola blend, are housed in sleek 75cl aluminium bottles. These bottles are topped with twist-off caps, and the striking packaging is designed to attract younger consumers, particularly with summer in mind. The initial pre-sale of 100 gift sets, priced at £20, sold out within 24 hours, further fueling the brand’s expansion plans. Vinca’s bottles will be available for general release from April 11 via its website and in Tesco stores.
Hot on Vinca’s heels, supermarket giant Aldi announced its own-label The Costellore Pinot Grigio (£5.99) will be available in an aluminium bottle starting April 14. This marks a significant achievement for Aldi, a retailer known for offering a wide selection of wines at competitive prices.
Environmental Benefits of Aluminium
Both Vinca and Aldi have emphasized the sustainability benefits of aluminium. Vinca highlights that its aluminium bottles are “infinitely recyclable,” meaning that the material can be reused without degrading in quality. The company also points out that aluminium bottles produce “four times less CO2 than traditional glass bottles,” making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
In addition to being more sustainable, aluminium bottles are also lighter than their glass counterparts. Vinca’s bottles weigh just 68g, which not only reduces carbon emissions during transportation but also makes them easier to handle. Aldi’s aluminium bottles weigh 95g, a 75% reduction in weight compared to standard glass bottles, resulting in significant transport savings. According to Aldi, the weight reduction translates to a savings of more than five tonnes (the equivalent of a small elephant) per truckload.
Julie Ashfield, Aldi UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We are looking for ways to make a difference, and we’re proud to be leading the way with innovations like this aluminium wine bottle.”
Quick Chill Factor
One of the key selling points of aluminium bottles is their ability to chill wine more quickly than glass. Vinca’s bottles feature a special lining that preserves the wine’s freshness while allowing the bottles to cool five times faster than glass. This is due to aluminium’s higher thermal conductivity, which allows it to draw heat away from the liquid inside, speeding up the cooling process.
However, there are some trade-offs. Aluminium bottles will also heat up faster than glass when exposed to warmth, such as sunlight, which may be a consideration for consumers in warmer climates or when serving wine outside.
Cost and Production Challenges
Despite the clear environmental benefits, aluminium bottles come with higher production costs compared to glass. Mark Lansley, CEO of Broadland Drinks (Aldi’s UK partner for bottling), noted that while aluminium bottles are more expensive to make, they have a lower carbon footprint than glass. As demand for aluminium packaging grows and volumes increase, it is expected that the price gap between aluminium and glass will narrow.
The UK wine industry is also facing logistical challenges. At present, there is no aluminium wine bottle manufacturing facility in the UK, meaning most of the bottles are sourced from Spain and China. Additionally, the introduction of a 25% tariff on aluminium imports to the US could further complicate supply chains, especially for brands looking to enter the American market.
The Future of Aluminium Wine Bottles
As the wine industry continues to explore sustainable packaging options, aluminium bottles are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Vinca has already planned to produce 280,000 aluminium bottles and is expanding production to meet rising demand. The brand is also preparing to launch a new pale rosé in aluminium packaging, following the positive reception of its red and white wines.
The future of aluminium wine bottles looks promising, with sustainability and cost-effectiveness driving the change. However, supply chain challenges and production costs remain hurdles to widespread adoption. As more brands experiment with aluminium, its place in the wine packaging landscape is becoming more secure, potentially edging out paper as the packaging of the future.
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