BIB Wine Boxes are Back

Boxes of wine are back – have you spotted them on the supermarket shelf? Now known as BIB (Bag in Box) Wines, what is driving the return of boxed beverages?

Wine Boxes; an Australian Invention

Wine lovers have a lot to thank Australia for. Firstly, there is Shiraz wine, a favourite tipple across the world and then the screw top bottle. Another invention was boxed wine.

Back in 1935, the Australian Renmark Winery patented wine sold in boxes as an alternative to bottles. This invention was elevated in 1967 when a plastic tap for the wine bags was designed. These inventions may not be viewed with joy by wine connoisseurs and purists, but they were widely welcomed by social drinkers.

Wine boxes were a feature of 1980’s parties, but the quality of the wine wasn’t always the best and they were viewed as cheap and nasty. For decades, buying wine in bottles was the only option, but in recent years, boxes are back.

What is Driving the Comeback of Wine Boxes?

Glass bottles are made from recycled materials and are recyclable, yet the process uses a high volume of energy. Glass is also heavy, which makes it more expensive to transport. In a bid to reduce environmental and financial costs, packaging options have been reviewed.

One option for lowering the carbon footprint of wine packaging is aluminium cans. Containing a glass full, these are ideal for picnics, with the can being lightweight and 100% recyclable after use.

Another option is wine in boxes, typically containing 3 litres of wine and ideal for social gatherings. The airtight pouch inside the boxes prevents wine oxidisation, so it stays fresh for a couple of weeks. No need to drink it all at once!

The printed cardboard boxes are made from recyclable material and are widely recycled. The plastic pouches can be recycled in some places and companies including BIB wines offer a recycling service. The environmental and financial cost of manufacturing and transporting the bag and box packaging is notably lower than bottles. This offers consumers better value and there is no longer a compromise in the quality of the contents.

Small, independent companies like Nice Drinks and More Wine, wine delivery specialists including Slurp and Laithwaites, along with supermarkets, are now stocking cans and boxes. The print design on some of the boxes is enough to make it a centrepiece on the drinks table. Check out the nature print on Alluria wine boxes, the classical masterpieces on Laylo wine boxes and the graphic geometry on L’Art Provençal. All beautiful printed packaging!

Will you be willing to give wine boxes a second chance this summer?