In attempting to become more environmentally sustainable, lightweighting glass bottles was one of the first areas drinks brands focussed on. Anywhere from 20-40% of a drinks brand’s carbon footprint is produced by its packaging, and by making the bottles lighter, they made good progress in reducing their carbon footprint. The average glass wine bottle weighs around 16oz, whereas an equivalent aluminum bottle comes in at under 3oz. 

But weight isn’t the whole story. 

Increasingly, there are concerns that lightweight alternatives to glass can often come with toxic drawbacks in the form of plastic and chemical liners. That highlights the need for brands to think more holistically and systemically. Here are some areas to consider.