As both business owners and consumers, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. One key area where we can make a difference is in our packaging choices. Every decision—from material selection to manufacturing, transport, and recycling—affects our carbon footprint.
For years, glass has been associated with premium quality, especially in the world of wine. But it’s time to challenge that perception. Canned wine offers the same high-quality taste and complexity as bottled wine—with a much smaller environmental impact.
Glass vs. Cans: The Carbon Footprint Comparison
Glass bottles contribute heavily to carbon emissions due to their weight and fragility. From production to shipping and recycling, glass requires more energy and resources at every stage.
By contrast, aluminium cans provide a lighter, stronger, and more sustainable alternative. They are:
✅ Easier to transport, reducing fuel consumption
✅ More efficient to recycle, using far less energy
✅ Less fragile, reducing waste from breakage
A study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found that aluminium cans have a lower overall environmental impact than glass when considering energy use, transportation, and recyclability (Oregon DEQ).
By making the shift to cans, we can significantly lower the carbon footprint of the wine industry while maintaining the same exceptional quality.
Aluminium: A Highly Recyclable Solution
One of the biggest advantages of aluminium cans is their recyclability. Unlike glass or plastic, aluminium is one of the most efficiently recycled materials in the world.
🔄 Aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new, or “primary,” aluminium (Aluminium Association)
♻️ More cans are recycled than glass bottles, reducing landfill waste
🌏 Recycling aluminium reduces emissions, conserving resources for future generations
Wine Bottles Are Exempt from Australia’s Container Return Schemes
Despite being one of the most common beverage containers, wine bottles are currently exempt from Australia’s state-based container deposit schemes (CDS). In contrast, aluminium cans are included in these programs, making them far more likely to be collected and recycled.
- In states like New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia, consumers can return cans for a refund, encouraging higher recycling rates (NSW EPA).
- Glass wine bottles, however, do not qualify, meaning a large percentage end up in low-value recycling streams.
- By choosing canned beverages, businesses and consumers can actively support more efficient recycling systems while reducing overall waste.
Premium Drinks in Cans: A Global Trend
Many Australians still associate glass with luxury and cans with lower quality—but this perception is outdated. Globally, many premium beverage markets have already embraced cans as a high-end packaging format.
Japan: Leading the Way in Premium Canned Beverages
In Japan, premium drinks in cans are the norm, with no distinction between bottled and canned quality. The country has long recognised that cans preserve freshness and flavour while offering convenience and sustainability.
- Fine Japanese Sake is regularly sold in aluminium cans, with brands like Gekkeikan and Kikusui leading the charge.
- Luxury canned coffee brands such as Boss Coffee (Suntory) and Georgia (Coca-Cola Japan) dominate the high-end ready-to-drink (RTD) market.
- Premium craft beer is widely available in cans, with Hitachino Nest Beer and Yona Yona Ale offering canned options to preserve freshness and taste.
Japanese consumers trust that quality is determined by what’s inside the packaging—not the packaging itself (The Japan Times).
The United States: A Rapid Shift to Canned Wine
In the United States, canned wine has surged in popularity, with premium wineries embracing the trend:
- The canned wine market grew 232% between 2017 and 2021, showing strong consumer demand (Forbes).
- Top-tier wineries, such as Union Wine Co. and Underwood, produce high-quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé in cans, proving that great wine isn’t limited to glass bottles.
- Consumers are drawn to the portability and freshness of canned wine, especially for outdoor events and single-serve convenience.
Europe: Sustainability-Driven Wine Packaging
European countries are also reconsidering traditional packaging in favour of more sustainable solutions:
- France, the home of luxury wines, is seeing a rise in canned wine as younger consumers demand eco-friendly packaging without compromising on taste.
- Scandinavian countries, known for their strong environmental policies, are rapidly adopting aluminium packaging for wine, spirits, and craft beer.
- The UK has seen premium canned cocktails and wines become mainstream, with brands like The Uncommon winning awards for quality and sustainability (Decanter).
Why Should Australia Be Left Behind?
If Japan, the US, and Europe all recognise that premium drinks belong in cans, why should Australia cling to outdated perceptions? Glass does not define quality—and it certainly doesn’t make a product more sustainable.
By modernising our approach and embracing cas, we can:
✅ Reduce our environmental footprint
✅ Support more effective recycling systems
✅ Challenge outdated perceptions of premium drinks
A Shift Towards the Future of Wine
Moving toward canned wine isn’t just about reducing environmental impact—it’s about embracing innovation in the wine industry. Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, and sustainable packaging solutions like aluminium cans are here to stay.
By choosing to can our beverages, we’re actively working to reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and support a greener future. Every small change we make today adds up—helping to protect our planet for future generations.
