Weinhof 519 Winery Selects Petainer Plastic Wine Bottles for Safe and Sustainable Shipping

Weinhof 519 Winery, a third-generation producer based in Germany’s renowned Rheingau region, specialises in crafting exceptional Riesling. With a forward-thinking approach, the winery has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional winemaking. Today, it is recognised in the Finnish market through its ever-popular PINK Riesling brand.

To expand its reach while meeting stringent environmental standards, Weinhof 519 tendered for the opportunity to introduce a new 750ml PET wine bottle format. This climate-smart packaging solution was designed not only to maintain their premium brand identity but also to reduce shipping costs and lower carbon emissions.

The Challenge: Sustainability, Tender Requirements & Brand Integrity

Weinhof 519 faced several critical challenges in their bid to enter the Nordic market. Their primary concerns were ensuring that their packaging met the high sustainability standards demanded by Finnish regulations and consumers, while also preserving the unique characteristics of their brand. Key issues included:

• High Sustainability Standards: Nordic monopolies, such as Finland’s Alko, aim to reduce their carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Traditional glass bottles are heavy, energy-intensive to produce, and significantly contribute to packaging emissions.
• Strict Tender Requirements: Tenders in the Nordic region favor products with “environmentally responsible” packaging. Weinhof 519 needed a solution that not only met these criteria but also maintained the premium feel expected by consumers.
• Maintaining Brand Identity: Transitioning from glass to an alternative packaging solution posed the risk of diluting the distinct flute-style bottle aesthetics that define Weinhof 519’s brand. The new format had to preserve their signature look and the same volume of product.

The Solution: Petainer’s 750ml Burgundy-Style PET Bottles

To overcome these challenges, Weinhof 519 turned to Petainer for a modern, sustainable packaging solution. Petainer provided a 750ml Burgundy-style PET Wine Bottle that weighs just 49g—significantly lighter than even the lightest glass alternatives. This innovation delivered on multiple fronts:

• Reducing Emissions: The lightweight PET bottle cuts carbon emissions per liter by more than half compared to standard glass, perfectly aligning with Alko’s “Green Choice” criteria.
• Preserving Brand Continuity: The bottle’s flute-style design mirrors the winery’s traditional glass aesthetics, ensuring that the distinctive look of Weinhof 519’s wines remains instantly recognizable to consumers.
• Streamlined Co-Packing: Partnering with EB Secco, a specialist co-packer in Frankfurt, enabled a seamless transition. EB Secco’s bottling lines were easily adapted to fill PET wine bottles without requiring significant new investments.

Results: Market Success, Cost Savings & Enhanced Brand Image

Implementing Petainer’s PET bottles brought tangible benefits to Weinhof 519 Winery and contributed to their success in the Nordic market:

• Successful Finnish Tender: Offering a climate-smart 750ml PET option enabled the winery to win a competitive tender, opening up a new revenue stream through Finland’s state-run alcohol monopoly, Alko.
• Lower Logistics & Handling Costs: The reduced weight of PET bottles resulted in lower shipping expenses and minimized breakage, essential for exporting over long distances.
• Boosted Brand Image: Embracing sustainable packaging reinforced Weinhof 519’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, resonating strongly with environmentally conscious Nordic consumers.
• Easier Consumer Adoption: The new PET bottle format maintained the look and volume of traditional glass bottles, ensuring a smooth transition for customers accustomed to the winery’s established brand.

It’s exciting to be part of Finland’s expanded sustainable offerings. Petainer supported us with a bottle style that closely matches our usual glass. We hope Finnish wine lovers enjoy our new product.

Weinhof 519

Conclusion: A Future of Sustainable Wine Shipping

By embracing Petainer’s 750ml Burgundy-style PET bottles, Weinhof 519 Winery has successfully navigated the challenges of entering the Nordic market while upholding its premium brand identity. This innovative, sustainable solution has reduced logistics costs, lowered the carbon footprint, and delivered a product that meets the strict environmental standards of the region. Weinhof 519’s experience demonstrates that even traditional, heritage-rich wineries can lead the way in modern, eco-friendly packaging—paving the way for expanded market opportunities and long-term growth.