Safripol, in partnership with Polyoak Packaging and UK-based Packamama, has introduced South Africa’s first locally manufactured flat wine bottle made from recycled PET. The innovation is now being produced in Cape Town and marks a significant shift in wine packaging aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving logistics.
The bottle is made from over 25% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is fully recyclable. At just 63 grams, it is more than 80% lighter than a standard 400-gram glass bottle. Its slim, flat shape allows for up to 40% more efficient palletisation—1,200 bottles fit on a UK pallet and 1,152 on a Euro pallet.
Already showing commercial success in Europe, the bottle is designed for all still wine types and supports oxygen barrier technology for a shelf life of over 18 months. It also meets both EU and U.S. FDA food-contact safety standards and is BPA- and odour-free.
Available in dead-leaf green and colourless PET, the bottles can be sealed with a recyclable 30H60 Novatwist closure. The design also offers a larger front-facing surface area for branding compared to traditional round bottles.
The eco-flat format is intended for a variety of settings including outdoor events, hiking, picnics, e-commerce, and in-flight service, with its size compatible with airline trolleys.
According to Safripol, 70% of middle-class South African consumers—particularly millennials and women—indicate a likelihood to purchase wine in this format. The innovation not only aims to cut carbon emissions across the supply chain but also supports circular economy goals in the local packaging industry.
The launch positions South African wine producers to capitalise on both domestic and international markets seeking sustainable packaging solutions.