In a bold departure from traditional glass, Spanish wine brand Vinca is embracing aluminium bottles as the future of its packaging strategy. Known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Vinca is taking a decisive step by shifting from canned wine to 100% recyclable aluminium bottles — a move it claims will enhance both environmental impact and customer experience.

Vinca’s decision reflects a broader industry shift, as wine producers reassess packaging not just for aesthetics or preservation, but for carbon footprint and recyclability. While glass has long been the default, its high emissions during production and transportation have become harder to justify. Aluminium, by contrast, is lighter and easier to recycle — and Vinca believes it better aligns with its long-term sustainability goals.

According to Vinca co-founder Jack Green, the company’s trials with canned wine opened doors to younger, eco-conscious consumers, but aluminium bottles now allow them to scale with improved format, branding space, and recyclability. “We wanted packaging that truly reflected our values — light, fully recyclable, resealable, and able to keep wine fresh,” Green explained. “Aluminium bottles are that next step.”

Unlike glass, which is energy-intensive to manufacture and difficult to recycle without degradation, aluminium boasts a near-infinite recycling loop. In the EU, recycling rates for aluminium packaging surpass 70%, and the energy savings from recycling rather than producing new aluminium are substantial — over 90% less energy required. This makes aluminium bottles one of the lowest-impact options for beverage packaging today.

Moreover, the format offers logistical and economic advantages. Aluminium bottles are significantly lighter than glass, reducing transportation costs and emissions. They are also more durable, lowering breakage risks throughout the supply chain. For direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine brands like Vinca, this translates into lower shipping costs and fewer returns.

"This isn’t just about switching materials,” Green added. “It’s about changing how we think about packaging as part of the product itself.”

However, Vinca is not only banking on aluminium for its sustainability credentials. The brand sees design and user experience benefits too. Aluminium bottles allow for more impactful, wrap-around branding — a crucial aspect for a company positioning itself as modern, accessible, and premium. The bottles are also resealable, offering convenience for casual drinkers who want to enjoy wine without committing to a whole bottle at once.

In launching its new aluminium bottle format, Vinca is working with sustainable packaging manufacturers to ensure full lifecycle impact is minimized, from sourcing to recycling. The company believes that by pioneering this shift, it can challenge traditional notions of wine consumption while appealing to a new generation of climate-conscious consumers.

As the wine industry grapples with sustainability pressures, Vinca’s move could set a precedent — not just in alternative packaging materials, but in how wine brands redefine their values through every aspect of the product experience.