Champagne bottles are getting lighter to go greener.
The industry's trade association, the Interprofessional
Committee of Champagne Wine, said on Tuesday it is launching
a new standard bottle to cut carbon emissions.
The new bottle looks the same as ever but weighs 835 grams
instead of 900 grams.
That means vehicles transporting it will require less fuel.
The committee says the change will cut carbon dioxide output
by 8000 metric tons (8,818 short tons) a year, which it
likens to the annual emissions of 4000 cars.
The industry worked with glassmakers on the new bottles to
ensure they can hold up under the pressure of the bubbles.
Until the late 19th century, champagne bottles often exploded
from that pressure - a problem that went away as glassmaking
techniques improved.
Some vintners have begun using the new bottles already and
are pleased with the results, said Sonia Smith, director of
the Champagne Bureau, which represents the champagne industry
association in the United States.
Based on a 2002 environmental impact assessment, France's
champagne industry has set a target of cutting its carbon
footprint by 25% by 2020.
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