The next milestone in their partnership is the launch of a sustainable wine bottle. This groundbreaking bottle will be produced through an innovative low-carbon glass melting process using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) glass, combined with hybrid technology. The bottle will be officially unveiled on November 22, 2024, at the Wine Vision by Open Balkan Fair, the largest wine fair in the Balkans.

Production is set to begin during Hrastnik1860’s Sustainable Week at the end of November 2024. This period also marks the operational launch of Slovenia’s first Innovation Fund project and the first end-fired hybrid regenerative glass furnace in the EU, highlighting the company’s strong commitment to sustainable innovation in the glass industry.

A Greener Vision for Wine Bottling

While glass is one of the most sustainable materials, its weight contributes significantly to carbon emissions during transportation. To address this, JRE and Vaider Group have committed to designing lighter, more eco-friendly wine bottles that maintain a premium look and feel. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of wine bottles without compromising on quality.

This initiative is more than just a concept—it’s about demonstrating tangible results. The new lighter wine bottle is a case study in eco-conscious design and a testament to how innovation and sustainability can work together to transform industries.

A Historic Commitment: The Manifesto for a Sustainable Wine Culture

At the JRE International Congress held in Paris in April 2024, JRE and Vaider Group, alongside other key industry stakeholders, signed a historic manifesto titled, “A Toast to a Sustainable Tomorrow – Designing a Plan for a Green, Environmentally Friendly Wine Drinking Culture.”

This manifesto commits all signatories to champion the future use of lighter wine bottles and sustainable practices across the wine industry. The goal is not just to innovate, but to inspire a broader shift in mindset across the industry.

Among the distinguished signatories are: Daniel Lehmann – Former President, JRE; Daniel Canzian – President, JRE; Hans van Manen – CEO, JRE; Gašper Puhan – Project Initiator, JRE; Peter Čas – CEO, Vaider Group AG, Hrastnik1860; Renzo Cotarella – Winemaker and CEO, Marchesi Antinori; Ronnie Janssen – Commercial SVP, Domaines de Bournet-Lapostolle; Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner – Deputy General Director, La Rioja Alta S.A.; Nerea Sanz – Marketing Manager, Decanter; Rod Smith – Master of Wine; Jancis Robinson – Master of Wine.

Proven Leadership in Eco-Innovation

The success of the water carafe project re.water, launched in 2023, serves as a powerful reference point for the ongoing partnership between JRE and Vaider Group. The carafe’s international acclaim highlights both companies’ commitment to driving innovation in sustainable design. With this project as a foundation, they are now extending their expertise to the wine industry, proving that they are not just talking about change—they are making it happen.

Industry Impact and Future Vision

Peter Čas, M.Sc., CEO of Vaider Group, shared his thoughts on the partnership’s ambitions: “We are thrilled about our continued partnership with JRE, building on the success of our initial collaboration with the launch of the innovative water carafe. Together, we are expanding our efforts to transform the wine bottle sector, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating products that not only enhance the consumer experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future. We are excited about the potential of this collaboration and look forward to pioneering further advancements in sustainable packaging.”

This initiative is about more than creating lighter bottles—it’s about shaping the future of the wine industry. By involving leading winemakers, influencers, and key stakeholders through the manifesto, JRE and Vaider Group are positioning themselves as pioneers in sustainable wine culture, with the goal of making eco-friendly practices the norm across the globe.

The introduction of a sustainable wine bottle marks a significant milestone, but it is also just the beginning. JRE and Vaider Group envision a future where sustainability and excellence coexist, transforming the industry’s approach to environmental responsibility.

For more information, please visit: JRE | Manifesto – A Toast to a Sustainable Tomorrow