Huhtamaki unveils wine bottle dividers made from vine shoots

Huhtamaki La Rochelle has partnered with French recycling company Vitis Valorem to introduce a new range of Prestige wine bottle dividers made from recycled vine shoots.

The companies said they aim to give a second life to the renewable raw material, which is produced in very big quantities. 

Every year after the harvest and at the beginning of winter, the vine shoots are cut off and burned. Rather than wasting them, Vitis Valorem collects them and processes them to new raw material, called Sarmine, which is crushed and micronised for Huhtamaki.

Huhtamaki La Rochelle uses Sarmine in its innovative moulded fibre process. It is mixed with recycled paper to create a pulp which is then formed into the Prestige range of bottle dividers, available in various sizes and forms.

The Prestige dividers will continue to protect wine bottles on their way to consumers through the new range, which is specially adapted to export in wooden and carton boxes.

Amandine Duranton, wine segment sales manager at Huhtamaki in France, said: “Our aim was to create a high-quality, natural bottle divider solution for wineries including a new sustainable raw material.

“The 100% biodegradable and recyclable Prestige wine bottle dividers are made of recycled paper and vine shoot powder.”