WINETECH Technical Yearbook 2020

Exploring PET and BIB as possible alternative packaging for Sauvignon blanc

PET is available in single-layer or multi- layer (three- or five-layer) packaging. Approximately 80% of barrier PET bottles on the market have multi-layer structure (Van Bree et al ., 2010) that should improve the protection of the contents from oxygen permeation. Bag in Box ® (BIB) consists of a resistant bladder (often plastic) housed in a sturdy cardboard box fitted with a tap for serving and a handle for transport. The bladder usually comprises of several layers of flexible film in the same way as PET multi- layer bottles. One of the biggest advantages of using BIB for Sauvignon blanc is the fact the wine contained in the bag can be consumed gradually as the residual product is protected from contact with air. This allows better preservation of the wine over short periods. EXPERIMENTAL LAYOUT A Sauvignon blanc wine was bottled under specialist supervision using a semi- automatic twin head liquid filling machine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

CARIEN COETZEE: Basic Wine, Stellenbosch

KEYWORDS: PET, BIB, alternative packaging

With consumers increasingly seeking more environmentally friendly packaging, it would be wise for producers to explore the innovative and creative packaging options available on the market. INTRODUCTION TO GLASS ALTERNATIVES Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a plastic packaging widely used in the food and beverage industry. PET has several advantages: It is light, transparent, inexpensive, easily transformed into the desired shape and delivers sturdy packaging. The customisable shapes have transporting advantages potentially allowing 36% more space in a shipping container (Gerber, 2010).

Bag in Box ® (BIB) packaging.

inerted with CO 2 gas (Table 1). For the filling of the BIB, a rod was used to transfer the wine rather than using an automatic process. All bottles were sealed with screwcaps and bottles were stored upright at 20ºC in the dark for 18 months. Analyses of the wines were done at various intervals: Immediately after bottling and then after three, six, nine, 12 and 18 months.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) packaging.

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