Sustainable wine packaging pioneer Packamama has received a $100,000 feasibility grant from the Australian Government to support testing the technical and commercial viability of sustainable packaging for Australian wines.
The grant was provided via the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), Renewables and Low Emissions Round.
Supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and Wine Australia, the initiative addresses a significant challenge for the wine industry: reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the high-quality standards associated with premium wine packaging.
Manufacturing wine packaging and transporting packaged wine accounted for 74% of the industry’s carbon emissions in 2020-21, due to the weight of glass bottles and their energy-intensive production. Packamama aims to deliver a lighter, more sustainable solution that meets consumer expectations for premium wine quality.
Packamama’s project will build upon its successful 100% recycled PET eco-flat bottle, designed primarily for commercial wines, to test for a new packaging solution that supports some premium wine ageing and longer shelf life commercial wines for export.
Packamama CEO & Founder Santiago Navarro said: “We are excited to lead the way in transforming the wine industry’s approach to packaging. This grant funding from the Australian Government allows us to accelerate our vision of combining sustainability with functionality to better meet the demands of more Australian wine producers and consumers, including those overseas. By moving beyond traditional glass, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to Australia’s net-zero goals.”
The project officially commenced on 16 December 2024 and will involve comprehensive feasibility studies over the next four months.
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