The Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) is working on its green credentials with the launch of a new standard bottle that is says will significantly cut the carbon emission of the Champagne region.

The new bottle cuts is 65 gms lighter and will reduce annual CO2 output by 8,000 tonnes, equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of 4,000 cars, according to CIVC.

Following significant testing and market use to ensure the quality and safety standards have been upheld, the CIVC formally approved the use of the lighter bottle for the entire region.

The initiative is part of the Champagne region’s program to reduce emissions which started with the first ever wine region wide environmental impact assessment taken in 2002.

Based on that audit, the region set the target of reducing carbon emissions by 25 per cent by 2020. The new bottle standard is one of the initiatives designed to help meet this target.

CIVC said Champagne’s researchers had worked with French glassmakers to explore alternative bottle designs that reduced weight while maintaining the performance, safety and character of the bottle historically used in the region. The bottle was designed to withstand the 6Gs of force found in most bottles of Champagne as well as every stage of production and shipping.