Albertsons Releases Buzz-Worthy rPET Wine Bottles

Progress is made in steps. It was during NPE2024 in early May that PlasticsToday reported a remarkable breakthrough: the world’s first PET bottle for sparkling wine (see Related link below).

Albertsons Companies, Inc. goes a step or two beyond that breakthrough with a two-product private label line of wine in a 100% recycled PET (rPET) bottle. That sustainable improvement combined with a distinctive flat-bottle design is a first in the US beverage market. The two-product line for the company’s Own Brands consists of 2022 Bee Lightly Chardonnay and 2023 Bee Lightly Rosé.

“At Albertsons Cos., we are continuously looking for ways to distinguish ourselves within the wine sector and to expand our diverse selection of quality wines for our customers,” says Curtis Mann, master of wines. “By launching our new Bee Lightly selection, we offer shoppers quality, affordable wines from France that also redefine wine packaging standards.”

ALBERTSONS COMPANIES

Bee Lightly is available at select Albertsons Cos. stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and ACME, and for delivery soon through Vine & Cellar in California. The new wines feature curated chardonnay and rosé varietals sourced from the up-and-coming Hérault and Limoux regions.

Bringing Bee Lightly wines to Albertsons was a collaborative effort that focused on customers. Albertsons Cos.’ Own Brands team, along with Mann, partnered with WX Brands, known for creating wine brands for global retailers, and Packamama, a “climate tech packaging company,” known for its signature flat-bottle design. The companies committed to develop the Bee Lightly packaging to promote a lower carbon-footprint future in the beverage industry.

Related:The Coolest Thing We Saw at NPE on Day Two: A Fizzy First

Recyclable rPET bottle is lighter and cuts pallet use.

The recyclable rPET bottle is 87% lighter than a traditional glass bottle of the same volume. The innovative flat packaging design has a smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional wine bottle shapes. It reduces transportation-related emissions, enhances logistic efficiency, and enables shipping nearly twice as many products on a single pallet.

For Albertson’s Bee Lightly application, the flat-back bottle uses 44% fewer pallets for shipping the same volume of wine compared to standard glass bottles.

ALBERTSONS COMPANIES

“The introduction of Bee Lightly into our Own Brands portfolio marks an innovative partnership and venture into wine packaging, highlighting our dedication to product quality and environmental stewardship,” says Brandon Brown, SVP of Own Brands, Albertsons Cos. “Additionally, we know that consumers today understand and recognize the quality and value that private label products can offer, which is why we’re pleased to unveil Bee Lightly premium wine varietals that deliver on quality and flavor at an affordable price.”

More news developments about rPET can be found at PlasticsToday.