Champagne Telmont has unveiled plans to produce 193,000 wine bottles in an array of shades as part of its "In the Name of Mother Nature" sustainability project.
The Champagne house, which counts Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio among its investors, aims to become a climate-positive producer by 2030 and net carbon positive by 2050.
As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce packaging and lighten its bottles, Telmont is now launching its "193,000 Shades of Green" initiative. This plan involves using glass produced during the transition between different shades, which typically does not meet chromatic standards. Telmont has developed multiple variations of the main Champagne color transition, resulting in the annual release of 193,000 bottles in shades ranging from green to cinnamon.
Energy Savings
The glass packaging, produced by Verallia, will save significant amounts of energy and resources by lowering production costs. Last year, Telmont and Verallia successfully tested the lightest Champagne bottle ever made, weighing 35 grams less than the standard sparkling wine bottle. This eco-friendly bottle weighs just 800 grams, maintaining the necessary resistance to gas pressure. After testing 3,000 bottles over the past year, Telmont is now expanding production to include an initial batch of 30,000 of these 800-gram bottles.
Elegance and Innovation
Telmont believes the "193,000 Shades of Green" initiative aligns with its traditional commitment to elegant bottle design and its new ecological responsibilities. Ludovic du Plessis, president of Maison Telmont, stated, "In 2024, Telmont reinvents green and glass! '193,000 shades of green' exemplifies our philosophy. For us, sustainability is not a limit or a constraint, but a ground for creativity and innovation. Every shade of green is a symbol of our commitment to the environment. We’re not just changing the color of our bottles, we’re trying to transform the wine industry, one shade at a time. In the Name of Mother Nature!"
Commitment to Nature
Since June 2021, Telmont has undertaken numerous initiatives focused on rethinking packaging. The Champagne house has eliminated all gift boxes and bespoke bottles, which are often heavier and have a larger carbon footprint. Transparent bottles made from 0% recycled glass have been replaced with green Champagne bottles made with up to 87% recycled glass. Verallia began reducing Champagne bottle weight ten years ago, from 900 grams to 835 grams. The glass used must withstand significant gas pressure—twice that of a car tire—to safely house and age the sparkling wine without risk of breaking.
Source: The Drinks Business