Laithwaites expands recycled glass range

Theale-based online wine retailer Laithwaites has bolstered its range of recycled glass wines with two new releases following the success of its initial launch this year.

Laithwaites’ W/O range – named after the shorthand for ‘without’ – was launched in January this year with the W/O Frappato, a Sicilian red wine made in partnership with Dino Tashcetti.

After selling out of the initial run in 72 hours and seeing consistent heavy demand on subsequent restocks, the range is returning with a new white wine made from 100 per cent Lucido grapes (named Sicily’s “newest ancient grape” by The Vintner Project) and a rosé pressed from 100 per cent Nero d’Avola, one of Italy’s most renowned indigenous varieties of grape.

Louise O’Hara, product innovation manager at Laithwaites, said: “We wanted to give our customers a product format that they are familiar with but that reduces our impact on the environment. The fact that our inaugural red sold out within 72 hours of its launch – and that the stock kept flying out every time it hit our online site – shows just how supportive everyone has been of the project.”

Read more - Laithwaites launches UK's first fully recycled wine bottle

A recent audit from EcoAct found that transport and packaging accounts for 68 per cent of Laithwaite’s carbon footprint, significantly more than grape growing and winemaking at 15 and 17 per cent respectively. This has led the company to evaluate how it can change its packaging to reduce its carbon footprint and reach its ESG goals.

The Laithwaites W/O recycled glass range is designed without capsules, and the fully biodegradable labels are made using eco-friendly pulp. Extra product information is linked through a QR code.

The brand also launched its first paper wine bottle earlier this month (July), further expanding its sustainable packaging options. It is made of 94 per cent recycled paper housing a recyclable plastic pouch.

Read more - Laithwaites launch first wine in a paper bottle