03/16/2010

Champagne Heralds Lighter Bottle, Cutting Carbon Emissions

Part of larger carbon reduction campaign designed to cut emissions 25 percent by 2020

The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) announced today the official launch of a new standard bottle that will significantly cut the region’s carbon emissions.  The new bottle, which is more than 2 ounces lighter, will reduce annual CO2 output by 8,000 metric tons, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 4,000 cars. After significant testing and market use to ensure the highest quality and safety standards, the CIVC formally approved the use of the lighter bottle for the entire region.

“Champagne is unique. With this lighter bottle, we can enjoy Champagne, celebrating a commitment to protect the land and climate that create this wonderful wine,” said Sonia Smith, director of the Champagne Bureau, the U.S. representation of the CIVC.

The Champagne region’s leadership on emission reduction efforts began with the first ever wine region environmental impact assessment taken in 2002. Based on this environmental audit, the Champagne region set itself the target of cutting carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The new bottle standard is one of the initiatives to help meet this target.  About 300 million bottles of Champagne were produced last year.

To finalize the bottle, Champagne’s researchers worked with French glassmakers to explore alternative bottle designs, creating a new version that cuts weight while maintaining the performance, safety and character of the bottle historically used in the region. The bottle was designed to withstand the 6Gs of force found in most bottles of Champagne as well as every stage of production and shipping.

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