Japanese researchers trial lightweight paper-plastic wine bottle to cut transport emissions
Scientists at the University of Yamanashi are testing a paper-and-plastic "efbottle" that weighs about 30% less than glass and aims to lower CO₂ emissions without compromising wine flavor.
The Institute of Enology and Viticulture at the University of Yamanashi, in collaboration with firms including Fuji Tokushu Shigyo Co., has begun field trials of a new paper-and-plastic wine container dubbed the efbottle. Shaped like a traditional bottle, the efbottle combines a water-resistant paper shell with a resealable plastic pouch, allowing long-term storage while being fully printable. Initial sensory evaluations confirm that the packaging does not alter the wine’s flavor compared with conventional glass.
At 0.78 kg for a 750-ml bottle, it is more than 30 % lighter than the 1.14 kg glass counterpart, a reduction that could curb CO₂ emissions from transport. The testing phase, slated to last roughly one year, will assess any storage or consumption challenges. The effort aligns with the Shin University of Yamanashi Wine Project’s 2024 goal of creating a wine industry that remains sustainable for the next century, supporting Yamanashi’s wine culture through scientific innovation.
