03 Apr 2025 Robertson winery with a sustainability packaging first!

With sustainability in the wine industry no longer a luxury but a necessity, Robertson Winery has introduced a notable packaging development…

‘Salut’ to Robertson Winery’s history-making innovation: the world’s first fully recyclable 3-litre bag-in-box wine packaging.

Proudly developed and manufactured in South Africa, it sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious practices in the global wine industry.

In South Africa nearly 30% of wine sales come from bag-in-box packaging. This format has long been favoured for its convenience, ability to keep wine fresh for longer, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional glass bottles.

While the cardboard exterior has been recyclable for some time, the inner plastic bag has posed a recycling challenge due to its composite materials.

“Unlike traditional bag-in-box packaging that requires separating materials before recycling, our new design is completely recyclable as a whole and it meets the highest international plastic recycling standards,” says marketing head, Ankia Niemann.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Recyclable box – Made from responsibly sourced materials.
• Recyclable handle – A sustainable alternative to plastic-heavy options.
• Recyclable ink – Ensuring that even the branding elements remain eco-friendly.
• Recyclable tap – Designed for easy disposal with minimal waste.
• Fully recyclable bag – No separation required; the clear bag, tap, and flange can be recycled together.

“This is a major step forward for the wine industry, offering consumers a truly sustainable choice,” says Pieter Siebrits, CEO at Robertson Winery. “We are very proud to be reducing environmental impact while fully supporting South African manufacturing.”

Source: Robertson Winery