FRANCE – Moët & Chandon, part of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, has announced a collaboration with packaging group Amcor to develop a new, environmentally-friendly foil for its Champagne bottles.
The new foil, named Essentielle, is crafted from aluminum and paper, eliminating the use of plastic.
The production of this innovative foil will commence in October.
According to Amcor, replacing plastic with paper results in a carbon footprint reduction of 31 percent compared to standard polylaminate foils.
The new material is composed of approximately 60 percent aluminum, leveraging the metal’s high recyclability and aesthetic qualities.
Amcor emphasizes that the foil fits the bottle perfectly and can be tailored to meet specific market requirements. Essentielle is produced at Amcor’s facility in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, located in the heart of the Champagne region.
Yannick Magnon, Managing Director of Amcor Capsules, highlighted the significance of the development, stating, “Amcor Capsules is drawing on Essentielle to revolutionize the industry by offering a recyclable, plastic-free solution that suits the fast pace of their packaging lines, confirming its major role among wine-growing players, here in Champagne.”
Initially, Essentielle will be available with texturing to maintain the premium appearance of the bottles and ensure efficiency in the packaging process. A smooth finish version is scheduled for release in the first quarter of next year.
Sibylle Scherer, President and CEO of LVMH’s Maison Moët unit, expressed pride in supporting innovation within the Champagne sector. “At Moët & Chandon, we are proud to support and accelerate innovation within the Champagne sector. We have been spearheading initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and cut carbon emissions,” Scherer said.
The new foil aligns with Amcor Capsules’ TRANSPARENCE program, launched in July 2023, which aims to enhance sustainability in the packaging industry.
Last month, Amcor Capsules announced incorporating over 90 percent recycled tin content in its premium tin capsules and sparkling foils.
Moët & Chandon operates production lines capable of handling more than 12,000 bottles per hour. The introduction of Essentielle reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
In the first quarter of 2024, LVMH’s Wines & Spirits division experienced a 12 percent decline in revenue, partly due to the normalization of post-COVID demand and cautious retailer behavior, particularly in the United States.
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