Vetropack has received the Austrian State Prize for Smart Packaging 2026 in the B2C category for its 0.75-litre Rhinewine bottle, recognised as the lightest Rhinewine bottle in Europe. The award was presented on 1 October during Austrian Packaging Day in Vienna.
The bottle weighs 350 grams, compared with 410 grams for the previous version, representing a reduction of 60 grams, or approximately 15%. According to the jury, the redesign demonstrates how established glass packaging can be optimised to reduce resource consumption while maintaining its existing bottle shape and filling processes.
Developed and tested to ensure stability and performance, the lightweight bottle was launched in April 2026 in Olive and Cuvée colours. It is manufactured at Vetropack’s plant in Pöchlarn, Austria, and contains approximately 80% recycled glass, further supporting resource efficiency.
The lower weight also contributes to reduced transport emissions. Over a distance of 100 kilometres, the new bottle generates approximately 13% fewer transport-related CO₂ emissions than the conventional version. 
Harald Geist, Vetropack Austria, said the award confirms the company’s approach of systematically improving established glass packaging designs while maintaining stability, filling performance and quality.
Source: Vetropack with additional information added by Glass Balkan
