Backsberg teams up with Pnp for local PET launch

2 Aug 2010

Last week Pick n Pay announced that it was the first retailer to offer wines in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, joining forces with Backsberg for the launch of Tread Lightly Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, which will be available exclusively at selected Pick n Pay stores in the Western Cape. New oxygen barrier technology makes it possible to achieve a significantly longer shelf life, making PET ideal for wine products.

Image courtesy of<p>Credit: Graeme Weatherspoon

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Credit: Graeme Weatherspoon

Recycle, reduce

The PET soft bottle delivers all the aesthetic qualities of glass, but requires significantly less energy to manufacture than glass wine bottles. During production, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by up to 55% and the reduced weight and diameter of the PET bottle allows for up to 36% more product to be transported in the same container space, which ultimately means greater fuel savings and transport efficiencies. It is fully recyclable and easily crushable and, due to its shatterproof nature, is more robust during transportation than glass.

"Now we are able to provide customers with the same great quality wine that doesn't compromise on taste, in much lighter bottles that are more portable and environmentally sound. In addition, in a country where we spend a lot of time outdoors, the wines are perfect for activities such as picnics, as they are shatterproof and easy to transport," comments Bronwen Rohland, director of sustainable development at Pick n Pay.

According to Backsberg proprietor, Michael Back, sustainability is about caring for the environment. "As custodians of the land, it is our duty to understand and recognise potential threats, and to mitigate against them for the benefit of the next generation. By challenging packaging and transport norms, the Tread Lightly wines reflect this approach without compromising the high quality of our wines."

Tread Lightly wines retail at R49.99 for Merlot and R39.99 for the Sauvignon Blanc.