Champagne house Telmont is making a switch to lighter bottles - As early as 2022, the maison had announced a departure from the 835-gram bottle already in widespread use in Champagne and launched a test with a lighter 800-gram bottle.
After the successful test phase of the 800-gram bottle, production was increased from 3,000 to 30,000 bottles. According to studies, the glass bottle can account for up to 47 % of the CO₂ footprint of a finished wine. By comparison, around 43 % of emissions are generated in the vineyard and cellar. The use of lighter bottles is expected to reduce Telmont's CO₂ footprint by a further 4 %.
In the name of mother nature
The "Réserve de la Terre" Champagnes, which are aged for at least 3 years, are to be the first to be released in the innovation. The first bottles are expected to be available to customers from 2026. The general use of 800-gram bottles would be a major step for Maison Telmont in its efforts to reduce its environmental impact and achieve the goals of its "In the Name of Mother Nature" project: to become carbon neutral by 2030 and net climate positive by 2050.
Ludovic du Plessis, President of Maison Telmont explains, "We are proud to have taken up this challenge with [the glass manufacturer] Verallia, and with success. This experiment initiated by Telmont must go beyond the boundaries of our winery. In the name of Mother Nature, we encourage everyone in Champagne to adopt this bottle. And why? Because using lighter bottles across the board is better for the planet and benefits everyone!"
Investor and Oscar winner Leonardo diCaprio adds, "With an ambitious goal to become the first climate-positive Champagne house by 2030 and net positive by 2050, this move demonstrates Telmont's commitment to reducing the CO₂ footprint of winemaking and changing the way they grow, produce and transport their Champagne."
Ambitious goals
Telmont has a history of initiatives focused on rethinking packaging. Gift boxes have been eliminated as of June 2021, and all white glass bottles with 0 percent recycled glass have been replaced with lighter green Champagne bottles with 85 to 100 percent recycled content. Other ambitions of "In the name of Mother Nature" include sourcing 100 % electricity from renewable sources. Starting in 2024, all champagne exports to the U.S. will be transported by wind-powered ocean-going vessels called Neoline Ships. PD
