Green Champagne?

My blog is about public transportation and its ties to global warming. However, I think that it is important to determine other culprits who are contributing to the problem. Champagne manufacturers are also responsible for emitting large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. Not only do they contribute to global warming when they ship bottles, but also through the production of their products.

Bottle shape is being altered in order to decrease carbon emissions from production and shipment.

Specifically, the glass of the bottle is becoming thinner, and the shoulders of the bottle slimmer. The new bottle weights 65 grams less than the old bottle. By making the glass thinner, it decreases the overall weight of the bottle. Making the shoulders slimmer also decreases the weight of the bottle.

A lighter bottle reduces both shipping costs and the amount of gasoline used during shipment. Reducing the amount of gasoline used during shipment ultimately reduces the carbon dioxide emissions, in turn helping the environment. Weight reduction decreased the carbon emissions by about seven percent for each bottle. Reducing weight also decreased the necessary number of delivery trucks because they could on average fit about 2,400 more bottles per truck.

Altering the shape of the bottle is not as simple as it sounds. Companies must first consider how a change in shape will affect the reputation of the champagne. Champagne has always been considered classy Will champagne in a plastic bottle or a box be considered cheaper, or of a lower quality? Will the taste be altered by a different bottle? They must also consider if the bottle is strong enough to withstand the pressure necessary to make champagne. Consequently, they couldn’t decrease the weight significantly.

Bruno Delhorbe is in charge of the change of the bottles, and he strongly emphasizes the fact that he has not decided to go green in order to improve the finances of the company, but instead to improve the environment for the future. There is only a 2-cent price difference between the two bottles, and it does not have a significant effect on profits and customer pricing. But Delhorbe really believes in conserving the environment, and hopes that future generations can continue to enjoy champagne for many years to come.

All in all, this plan is a great move for Champagne manufacturers. They reduce costs, are considered themselves a green company, and help out the environment all at once.