As part of its sustainability efforts Sainsbury’s, London, UK, a major UK retailer, introduces store-brand wine in 750-millilitre (ml) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle from AMCOR PET Packaging UK Ltd., Gresford, UK. Bottle represents first UK commercialization of PET bottle for wine, relies on oxygen scavenger technology from Constar International Inc., Philadelphia, PA. Sainsbury’s experiment starts with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Rosé, which will sell for £4.99 (US$10), £3.99 (US$8), respectively, beginning in August 2007. Trial relies on bulk shipping, filling in UK at Corby Bottlers Plc, Corby, UK, could expand to other varietals if first two sell well. Bulk shipping doubles amount of wine shipped per container, reduces environmental impact of transportation. PET wine bottles look just like glass, but at 54 grams, weigh significantly less.

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