Reimagining Tradition: Why the Future of Wine Might Come in a Box

– by Harriet Yorke

 

From amphorae hauled across ancient trade routes to the elegant glass bottles we know today, wine packaging has always reflected the spirit of its age. But in a world facing climate urgency, tradition alone doesn’t cut it. That’s why we’re turning our attention to something far more practical — and surprisingly stylish: bag-in-box (BiB). Not a compromise, but a climate-conscious evolution, BiB wine offers a radically lower carbon footprint, longer shelf life, and a fresh opportunity to rethink how great wine gets to your glass.

 

The Facts

Research by Carmen Ferrara and Giovanni De Feo (2020) shows that recyclability is often confused with sustainability. Many people assume that if something can be recycled, it must be environmentally friendly. In the case of the wine bottle versus the BiB, this assumption leads to a generous favourability towards the recyclable glass bottle, rather than the plastic bag. However, this assumption doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny. While glass is recyclable, its production and transport are energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. In contrast, BiB – though less intuitively “green” – consistently outperforms glass in terms of emissions, resource use, and overall environmental footprint. In fact, Ferrara and De Feo found that the environmental impacts of BiB packaging falls between 60% - 90% lower than glass bottles. This disconnect between perception and reality is exactly why rethinking wine packaging isn’t just smart – it’s necessary.

 

 

BiB vs Bottle: The Main Gamechangers

• Carbon footprint: BiB packaging has a significantly lower environmental impact than single-use glass bottles, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions across its life cycle.

• Energy Use: BiB requires significantly less energy to produce and transport due to its lighter weight and compact design.

• Transport Efficiency: BiB packaging is space-efficient, reducing emissions per litre during distribution.

• Material Use & Waste: BiB uses less raw material overall, and generates less waste – even if it’s not fully recyclable.

• Shelf Life After Opening: BiB keeps wine fresher for longer once opened, reducing product waste.

 

Sustainable Packaging: Our Next Steps

At Wasted Wine Club, we’ve never been shy about doing things differently. From championing low-intervention wines to challenging what “premium” really means, we’re now taking the next step – bringing you our next collaboration with a bag-in-box option. The cat isn't yet out the bag, but consider this a little teaser for something very exciting we'll be announcing in the coming weeks.

By nature of the project and our mission, no two wines are ever the same. Collaborations will be ever-changing. However, where ever possible, we'll always explore the option. 

This move isn’t just about packaging. It’s about principles. By switching to BiB, we’re cutting down on unnecessary emissions, reducing packaging waste, and giving you more wine with less impact. The wine inside stays just as good – sometimes better – and your glass stays full for longer.

We’re not just boxing wine – we’re unboxing a better way to drink. Whether you're refilling your glass midweek or bringing a box to share, know that you’re also backing a smarter, more sustainable future for wine. The box might be humble, but the intention is anything but.