Why Bogle Said Lighter Glass Was Clearly The Right Move

How much of an impact on the environment does switching to a lighter weight glass bottle really have?

According to figures released by Bogle Family Vineyards in the Clarksburg AVA, quite a bit, apparently.

The winery is among the latest companies to make the switch to lighter glass bottles, and said it expected the change to reduce total packaging weight by 2,235 tons — 4.5 million pounds — starting in 2022.

The phase-in will begin next year, when five varietals in the company’s traditional land will make the switch to the new packaging. Bogle leadership said it expects weight to be cut 1,695 tons in the first phase alone. An additional 540 tons of glass weight will be reduced with a switch to lighter bottles in the Juggernaut Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

The lighter glass weight means fewer raw materials are being consumed and less raw energy is required, plus less fuel is consumed and emissions are produced during transport. 

Vice President of Consumer Relations Jody Bogle said the company was working to dispel the myth that dense glass means better wine. The quality of the product it contains remains the same.

“For many years, the assumption has been that consumers believe the heavier the bottle, the higher the quality of wine inside,” Bogle said. “Our family seeks to change this belief and show that outstanding quality wines can and should be made with sustainability as a priority.”

The weight reduction is the latest move in a line of efforts to operate more sustainably.

“There is a significant environmental impact at every point in the bottle’s lifecycle, so we will continue to explore further packaging adjustments to lower weights for all of our wines,” said Vice President of Winemaking, Eric Aafedt. “We are still able to deliver high-quality wine, but these new bottles will reduce our impact on the environment.”