Reuse is a Climate Solution!

The climate impact of packaging is a growing concern for both consumers and industry professionals, as “containers and packaging comprise the largest portion of municipal solid waste generation in the U.S. - at 28%” (Upstream). While glass is often praised for its recyclability, recycling alone cannot solve the waste and emissions challenges associated with bottle production and disposal. At Revino, we believe that reusing glass bottles instead of relying solely on recycling is the key to reducing emissions, waste, and overall environmental impact from the wine and beverage industry. 

The Benefits of Reuse over Recycling

Recycling is a step in the right direction, but it’s only part of the answer. Glass recycling requires heating to a high melting point of 1,500°C, consuming a substantial amount of energy. According to the French environmental agency Ademe, “reusing glass bottles can reduce water use by 51%, energy by 79%, and the impact on global warming by 77%, compared to recycled bottles” (Greenacre, 2023). Rising raw material costs due to tariffs and unsteady transportation routes have also made reusable bottles more economically viable, attracting eco-minded consumers and businesses to join the reuse revolution.

In addition, as Upstream points out, “renewable energy addresses only 55% of UN climate goals, with the remaining 45% hinges on transforming how we produce, consume, and dispose of goods, emphasizing the crucial role of reuse solutions.” Reuse systems reduce waste and landfill trash, helping to lower methane emissions and, in turn, slow global temperature rise. These insights make it clear: recycling alone is insufficient. Achieving a low-emission future requires us to move beyond single-use models and embrace reuse as a sustainable approach.

Join the Reuse Revolution with Revino

At Revino, we’ve developed a closed-loop system to keep glass bottles in circulation longer, driving the industry toward a more circular, eco-friendly model. The power of reuse lies in extending each bottle’s lifecycle and conserving the resources that would otherwise go into making new bottles. We’re calling on consumers and producers to embrace reuse as a climate solution. By choosing reusable bottles, you’re joining a revolution that prioritizes sustainability and sets a new standard for environmentally conscious packaging. Together, we can create a lasting impact on our planet by making reuse the norm in the wine industry and beyond.

Check out our map of winery partners and drop-off locations, where you can be an active part of the reuse revolution! Let’s work toward a future where every bottle matters!