Report
Independent studies show that wine in cans has environmental benefits
Two separate studies commissioned by Rexam, the world’s largest beverage can maker, have demonstrated that wine in cans is not only an environmentally friendly and sustainable pack format, but also offers beneficial cost savings for suppliers and retailers.
The first study, carried out by Incept, a UK-based consultancy, looked at the space efficiency when transporting wine in aluminium cans compared to transportation in glass bottles, and analysed the environmental effects and CO2 emissions during the transportation of still wine.
The study found that:
- Slim cans have half the CO2 transport-related emissions of the equivalent 75cl wine sold in glass packaging.
- Wine in 200ml and 250ml cans produces fewer transport-related CO2 emissions than other packaging formats.
- Compared to glass bottles, to save one tonne of CO2, only 5,330 cases of 250ml slim cans need to be sold.
As well as the CO2 emissions involved in the transportation of cans, Rexam was also interested to see the cost impact of the whole supply chain, so commissioned a separate study to look at four key areas: product, transport, warehousing and storage. The results showed benefits for all, including:
- Slim cans are up to 17p per litre cheaper than glass bottles and have 2-20p less cost per unit in the value chain.
- Suppliers could save between 2-8p per unit.
- Retailer savings are between 1-13p per unit.
The two studies have demonstrated, and back up, Rexam’s belief that wine in cans, whether measured by case or in litres, is not only an environmentally friendly and a sustainable packaging format, it also offers beneficial cost savings for suppliers and retailers.
Nick Gazzard, CEO of Incept, said: “The studies use a new methodology developed as part of an ongoing sustainability initiative by the can-making industry’s UK body, Beverage Can Makers Europe and Incept, to identify these significant cost and transport CO2 emissions savings related to cans. Often, the costs and emissions of specific packages are lost in averages, and this information helps to save money and the environment by identifying the differences and the opportunity.”
This is good news for a market that’s feeling the squeeze as a result of the economic slump, and one that’s looking for innovations to appeal to the lifestyle needs of 21–34 year old consumers.
Beyond its environmental and cost saving benefits, the can offers the convenience (single-serve, on-the-go) and visual impact (360-degree branding) that appeals to the all-important 21–34 year old age group, who show a preference for flavoured, alcoholic beverages – a major challenge for many wine companies.
Source: Rexam
See also
Latest news
| |