Description
The aim of the project is to develop and implement new eco-designs, both in the vineyard and in the winery, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption associated with the wine making process. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by at least 20%. The main innovation in the project is the use of new and more sustainable plastic materials, like PEF (polyethylene furanoate), for wine packaging. This new material presents improved physic-chemical properties compared with the existing PET (polyethylene terephthalate), such as better thermal resistance and better insulating properties. Furthermore, PEF is a completely recyclable material and its weigh is lighter than PET, and consequently much more than glass, which will lead to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint and lower environmental impact. In addition, the polyethylene-furanoate (PEF) is obtained from by-products, both from agricultural and food sector, which will enable the company the minimization of its waste in the future, thereby reducing the environmental impact.
Summary of project results
- PLA bottles for wine packaging tests have been obtained with success . - Characterization of the bottles through the study of transmission speed gas demonstrates that the coating with SiOx increases the barrier properties of the material against oxygen, water vapor and carbon dioxide, which directly influences the quality of wine packaging . - The parameters studied in wine resulting from tests conducted (pH, redox potential, organoleptic analysis, color intensity, ...) conclude that the packaging of PLA in a period of between 1 and 3-4 months (reviewed in accelerated aging) not alter the properties of the final wine. - The product carbon footprint of a bottle of red wine varies from being packaged in glass to be packaged in PLA 1.78 to 0.83 kg of CO2 eq, which represents a significant reduction of environmental impact.
Summary of bilateral results