Eindhoven, The Netherlands, October 28, 2024 – JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs and Vaider Group – Hrastnik1860 are leading a new chapter in sustainable packaging for the wine industry. Building on their award-winning 2023 collaboration for a water carafe, the two organizations are now focused on revolutionizing the design of wine bottles to create a greener future.
The next milestone in their partnership is the launch of a sustainable wine bottle. This groundbreaking bottle will be produced through an innovative low-carbon glass melting process using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) glass, combined with hybrid technology. The bottle will be officially unveiled on November 22, 2024, at the Wine Vision by Open Balkan Fair, the largest wine fair in the Balkans.
Production is set to begin during Steklarna Hrastnik’s Sustainability Week at the end of November 2024. This period also marks the operational launch of Slovenia’s first Innovation Fund project and the first end-fired hybrid regenerative glass furnace in the EU, highlighting the company’s strong commitment to sustainable innovation in the glass industry.
A Greener Vision for Wine Bottling
While glass is one of the most sustainable materials, its weight contributes significantly to carbon emissions during transportation. To address this, JRE and Vaider Group have committed to designing lighter, more eco-friendly wine bottles that maintain a premium look and feel. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of wine bottles without compromising on quality.
This initiative is more than just a concept—it’s about demonstrating tangible results. The new lighter wine bottle is a case study in eco-conscious design and a testament to how innovation and sustainability can work together to transform industries.
A Historic Commitment: The Manifesto for a Sustainable Wine Culture
At the JRE International Congress held in Paris in April 2024, JRE and Vaider Group, alongside other key industry stakeholders, signed a historic manifesto titled, “A Toast to a Sustainable Tomorrow – Designing a Plan for a Green, Environmentally Friendly Wine Drinking Culture.”
This manifesto commits all signatories to champion the future use of lighter wine bottles and sustainable practices across the wine industry. The goal is not just to innovate, but to inspire a broader shift in mindset across the industry.
Among the distinguished signatories are: Daniel Lehmann – Former President, JRE; Daniel Canzian – President, JRE; Hans van Manen – CEO, JRE; Gašper Puhan – Project Initiator, JRE; Peter Čas – CEO, Vaider Group AG, Hrastnik1860; Renzo Cotarella – Winemaker and CEO, Marchesi Antinori; Ronnie Janssen – Commercial SVP, Domaines de Bournet-Lapostolle; Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner – Deputy General Director, La Rioja Alta S.A.; Nerea Sanz – Marketing Manager, Decanter; Rod Smith – Master of Wine; Jancis Robinson – Master of Wine.
Proven Leadership in Eco-Innovation
The success of the water carafe project re.water, launched in 2023, serves as a powerful reference point for the ongoing partnership between JRE and Vaider Group. The carafe’s international acclaim highlights both companies’ commitment to driving innovation in sustainable design. With this project as a foundation, they are now extending their expertise to the wine industry, proving that they are not just talking about change—they are making it happen.
Industry Impact and Future Vision
Peter Čas, M.Sc., CEO of Vaider Group, shared his thoughts on the partnership’s ambitions:
“We are thrilled about our continued partnership with JRE, building on the success of our initial collaboration with the launch of the innovative water carafe. Together, we are expanding our efforts to transform the wine bottle sector, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating products that not only enhance the consumer experience but also contribute to a more sustainable future. We are excited about the potential of this collaboration and look forward to pioneering further advancements in sustainable packaging.”
This initiative is about more than creating lighter bottles—it’s about shaping the future of the wine industry. By involving leading winemakers, influencers, and key stakeholders through the manifesto, JRE and Vaider Group are positioning themselves as pioneers in sustainable wine culture, with the goal of making eco-friendly practices the norm across the globe.
The introduction of a sustainable wine bottle marks a significant milestone, but it is also just the beginning. JRE and Vaider Group envision a future where sustainability and excellence coexist, transforming the industry’s approach to environmental responsibility.
About JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs
JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs is an association of young restaurateurs and chefs with one common goal in mind: to share our talent and love for food with like-minded individuals. With an extensive network of exceptional member restaurants, JRE aims to elevate culinary experiences while nurturing a community of passionate food connoisseurs. We are proud to have over 400 restaurants and 160 hotels, spread across 16 different countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs chefs combine deep passion, culinary expertise, and an appreciation for local ingredients and tradition.
About Vaider Group
The Vaider Group is a dynamic and diversified organization with a strong presence in the glass industry. The group operates in the glass packaging industry, marketing and business services related to glass, and the trade of raw materials required for glass production.
Driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the Vaider Group continuously strives to enhance its operations and expand its market presence.
Its ambitious growth plans, including significant investments in modernization and expansion, reflect its dedication to remaining at the forefront of the glass industry. With a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, and customer-centric solutions, the Vaider Group has established itself as a trusted partner and a go-to resource for glass-related products and services.
