Startup Revino has announced the establishment of a reusable wine bottle system in the state of Oregon. In collaboration with the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC), they will leverage the existing reusable deposit system in Oregon, marking the creation of the first large-scale wine bottle return system in the US.
The OBRC operates the "BottleDrop network" throughout the state, which is a system of collection and drop-off points for specialized bags in which consumers can gather their empty bottles. Consumers then receive their deposit back from the network. "Oregon's system is the first of its kind nationally and continues to have the highest return rate and the most convenient return options in the entire country," says Eric Chambers of OBRC. The exact amount of the deposit for the reusable wine bottles is yet to be determined, as Revino informed the German trade magazine WEINWIRTSCHAFT upon request.
Revino plans to equip over 30 wine producers with 2.4m reusable bottles for their bottling in 2024.The word "refillable" is embossed on the bottom of the bottles, allowing consumers to identify them as reusable bottles. They can be returned at the official OBRC collection points and participating partner producers associated with Revino. By the third quarter of 2024, Revino aims to complete a new bottle processing plant where bottles will be sorted, cleaned, and then returned to producers for reuse.
Support for lightweight bottles
Initially, Burgundy bottles will be available, and Revino states that over 70 wine producers were involved in their design. Currently, only green glass is available, but they plan to expand the color range. By the end of 2024, Revino intends to offer Bordeaux bottles. According to company information, the current bottle weighs 495 grams. The goal was to develop a lightweight glass bottle sturdy enough to last through up to 50 usage cycles.
The project is funded with the help of various investors, including both individuals and groups committed to reducing the ecological footprint of Oregon's wine industry. The company has not disclosed specific investment amounts. Revino claims to have widespread support and engagement from both the state and the wine sector.
"Oregon has always been a leader in recycling, and with our growing wine industry, reusing wine bottles is the logical next step for Oregon. Revino is well-positioned to successfully guide both Oregon's citizens and its wine industry towards wine bottle reuse. I am thrilled they are leading these efforts here in House District 23, the heart of Oregon's wine country," states Anna Scharf (Republican), representative for the 23rd district in Oregon's House of Representatives.
