Zurich, June 3 - Amcor Capsules – the market leader specializing in the design and manufacture of capsules, closures, and eco-responsible foils for still wines, sparkling wines, and spirits – is preparing to launch ESSENTIELLE, a plastic-free foil made of aluminium and paper, in October 2024.

With more than 280 years of history, Moët & Chandon, owned by LVMH, manages the largest vineyard in Champagne, with nearly 1,300 hectares of vines. The brand intends to continue its movement towards more sustainable packaging and is working with Amcor Capsules on the development and launch of its plastic-free foil.

AN INNOVATIVE AND ECO-RESPONSIBLE CREATION

The ESSENTIELLE foil is created using paper made in Europe, a material that has a lower carbon impact than other solutions made of plastic on the market. Indeed, by replacing plastic by paper the carbon footprint of this product is 31%¹ lower compared to standard polylaminate foils.

In addition, ESSENTIELLE contains approximately 60% aluminum, a recyclable material which remains unchanged. The recyclability of aluminium is attested by the TREE assessment tool by CITEO², when combined with glass recycling in France. Aluminium also retains the product’s aesthetic properties. It fits the bottle perfectly and can be customized according to market requirements.

A key element of this innovation is that Amcor Capsules guarantees that its customers bottling and packaging process, as well as its productivity is unchanged. And, as the world’s biggest producer of Champagne, with production lines capable of handling more than 12,000 bottles per hour; productivity is a top priority for Moët & Chandon.

“The launch of the ESSENTIELLE plastic-free foil draws attention to the expertise at our Mareuil-sur-Aÿ site, which specializes in the manufacture of foils and is located in the heart of the Champagne region. Amcor Capsules is drawing on ESSENTIELLE to revolutionize the industry by offering a recyclable, plastic-free solution that suits the fast pace of their packaging lines, confirming its major role among wine-growing players, here in Champagne.”

- Yannick Magnon, Managing Director of Amcor Capsules

This innovation takes part in Amcor Capsules’ TRANSPARENCE program that was developed in July 2023 to reduce its environmental impact. TRANSPARENCE has already allowed Amcor Capsules to integrate more than 90% recycled tin in capsules and sparkling foil, as well as incorporating up to 46% recycled aluminum in screw caps for the still wine and spirits’ segment.

ESSENTIELLE also rises to the challenges faced by the world of Champagne and sparkling wine, which is moving towards more responsible solutions.

“At Moët et Chandon, we are proud to support and accelerate innovation within the Champagne sector. For over 10 years, we have been spearheading initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and cut carbon emissions. As such, our products are developed and analyzed to improve their environmental performance. Our goal for 2024 is to take this even further, and working with Amcor Capsules on the ESSENTIELLE foil reflects this commitment.. At Moët et Chandon, we believe we can do great things if we work together. Our collaboration on the ESSENTIELLE project with Amcor Capsules – a leader in its sector and our partner for the 15 years – is evidence of this belief”

- Sibylle Scherer, President, CEO Maison Moët

The ESSENTIELLE foil will be produced at the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ site in Champagne from October 2024. Initially, the solution will only be available with texturing (standard or customizable) to allow sparkling wine players to retain the premium look of their bottles and the productivity of their packaging lines. The ESSENTIELLE foil with a smooth finish will be available during the first quarter of 2025.

¹ Comparison based on a comprehensive “cradle to grave” life-cycle analysis of basic packaging (standard APA structure: aluminum/PE/aluminum: 12/60/12 or 76 microns of caliber 34x122 – 4°22) compared to the suggested packaging (aluminum and paper structure in caliber 34x122 – 4°22) assuming 100% mechanical recycling for the aluminum part and 100% incineration with energy recovery for the other components – in both cases. Carried out using our ASSET Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, verified by Carbon Trust.

² TREE is a recyclability-assessment tool designed by Citeo and is available on the customer portal.

Citeo is a French organization with a social and environmental purpose (entreprise à mission) and was created so that companies in the consumer goods and distribution sector could reduce the environmental impact of their packaging and paper by offering them reduction, reuse, sorting and recycling solutions.

About Amcor Capsules

Amcor Capsules is a market leader specializing in the design and manufacture of capsules and closures for wine, sparkling wine, and spirits. Amcor Capsules has plants in France, Canada, USA, and Chile.

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About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and personal care, and other products. Amcor works with leading companies around the world to protect their products and the people who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons, closures, and services. The company is focused on making packaging that is increasingly lighter weight, recyclable and reusable, and made using an increasing amount of recycled content. In fiscal year 2023, 41,000 Amcor people generated $14.7 billion in annual sales from operations that span 218 locations in 41 countries. NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC

About Moët et Chandon

Moët & Chandon was founded by Claude Moët in 1743 and gained international renown under the stewardship of his grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët. With the largest and most diverse vineyard in the region, Moët & Chandon produces a varied portfolio of champagnes for all tastes. Each wine, whether white or rosé, is designed to be accessible. The portfolio includes the signature Moët Impérial, the delicate Collection Grand Vintage, the innovative Moët Ice Impérial, the delectable Nectar Impérial, and the diverse Collection Impériale. All these champagnes showcase Moët & Chandon’s Haute Œnologie, its expert winemaking skills and offer a surprisingly wide range of flavours and aromas that reflect the full character of their terroir. Through Natura Nostra, Moët & Chandon’s long-term sustainable development program, the Maison helps to protect biodiversity in the region.