Lightweight Glass Bottles

As you pick up a bottle of Temple Bruer, you might be struck by its lightness. While the average empty wine bottle weighs around 450 to 500g, our lightest bottle is just 360g. The shift to lightweight bottles began for us in 2009, right at the time they were first introduced in Australia. For us, the decision was an absolute no-brainer, driven by our steadfast commitment to sustainability.

There are many misconceptions about lightweight glass. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths. 

Myth: Lightweight glass indicates lower wine quality
Wine quality is determined by factors like grape variety, winemaking techniques, terroir, and storage conditions. Contrary to any fanciful notions, the weight of a wine bottle has no direct impact on the quality of the wine inside. 

Myth: Lightweight glass is more fragile
Thanks to modern technology, lightweight glass is designed to be just as sturdy and durable, and provides adequate protection for wine. Rigorous testing ensures lightweight bottles withstand typical transportation and handling, as well as light and temperature fluctuations. If glass is well-tempered and well-annealed, there are no concerns for its durability.

Myth: Lightweight bottles compromise ageing
Bottle weight does not extend the ageing potential of a wine. Ageing potential is determined by the wine's composition, tannin structure, and acidity. Other factors, such as the closure, storage conditions, and orientation of the bottle also have a more significant impact on wine preservation than the weight of the glass. 

Why we choose lightweight glass

Our choice of lightweight glass isn’t just about lightening the weight; it's about reducing our environmental footprint. But what makes lightweight glass so environmentally friendly?

Reduced Carbon Emissions
At Temple Bruer, we’re on a mission to go beyond carbon neutrality. Glass is incredibly energy intensive, with research showing that glass accounts for 29 percent of wine’s carbon footprint. Lighter bottles require less energy to manufacture, transport, and recycle. By reducing the weight of our bottles, we are contributing to a significant decrease in our carbon footprint.

Resource Conservation
Lightweight bottles use fewer raw materials during production, which helps to conserve valuable natural resources. 

Eco-Friendly Transport
Lightweight bottles translate to lighter shipments. This leads to lower fuel consumption during transportation of finished wine. It also reduces the amount of cardboard needed to carry the weight. 

Recycling Made Easier
Lightweight glass bottles contribute to reduced waste by making recycling more accessible and efficient. Lightweight glass requires less energy to melt down and reshape because it contains less material, and it is easier for recycling facilities to handle, sort, and process due to the reduced weight. Please note, bottles must be empty with the cap removed before recycling.

In a world where every milligram counts, it's crystal clear that lightweight glass is the sustainable hero worth toasting. Here’s to bright wine, and a brighter future.