In the heart of the Mediterranean, Sicily, Italy, stands as a beacon of tradition, culture, and innovation. The island’s unique climate, rich history, and vibrant community have long made it a hub for winemaking.
As winemakers look toward the future, O-I’s 100% Sicily bottle reinforces Sicilian heritage. The “100% Sicily” bottle is a wine bottle produced with recycled glass collected from Sicily along with ingredients coming from the island.
The wine bottle is deeply rooted in the local culture. The 100% Sicily bottle is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.
100% Sicily Bottle: Commitment to Wine Sustainability
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it is a way of life that requires a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. For the winemakers of Sicily, this means adopting practices that reduce their environmental impact.
“When my children were born, I immediately thought about what is the future that I will bring to them. And then I thought about sustainability, not only the good practice, but the results of the good practice, and then the quality of the soil and the quality of the grapes and the quality of the wine,” said Josè Rallo, Owner of Donnafugata Winery located in Sicily. “And it’s also [my] responsibility to be the 5th generation because I know that my parents, my grandparents, my ancestors, they have built something also for me, for me and for my brother and I have to do the same for my children.”
Rallo said the winery began working with O-I to acquire a sustainable, lighter-weight wine bottle – and landed on the “Cento per Cento Sicilia” – the 100% Sicily bottle.
“O-I produced the bottle with recycled glass and 90% of the glass of the new bottle was coming from Sicily and it was delivered to our winery – the distance of a very, very few kilometers,” Rallo said. “This could be one of the most sustainable choices that we make for the winery.”
O-I has a plant in nearby Marsala, making it uniquely positioned to support this local effort. The bottles have up to 90% recycled glass, or cullet, that is collected exclusively from the region, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and production. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also supports the local economy by creating jobs and promoting sustainable practices.
100% Sicily Bottle Preserves Tradition and Wine Sustainability
For Donnafugata Winery, winemaking is part of family, tradition, and Italy’s culture.
“Wine is something that brings together people. Wine is something that symbolizes that there are characters of the land, of the climate. So for us, wine is culture,” Rallo said.
Wine is not just a business; it’s a legacy of love, passion, and responsibility passed down through generations, a tradition Rallo is determined to continue for her children.
“It’s beautiful to take part of … a business who is involved in wine because wine is really a special product full of poetry, full of love and passion,” Rallo said.
By embracing sustainability and innovation, Donnafugata Winery Sicily is not only preserving its rich heritage and traditions but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
The 100% Sicily Bottle: A Sustainable Solution for a Circular Economy
Glass packaging is inherently sustainable and the ideal material to support a low-waste circular economy. The more recycled glass that glass manufacturers use to create new bottles, the glass-making process requires less energy and creates fewer emissions.
The “Cento per Cento Sicilia” project, together with the marketing of its bottles, aims to be a concrete example of a sustainable economy, thus encouraging those involved in the supply chain – starting with the consumer – to choose products that are sustainable and able to safeguard the Sicilian territory.
Interested in talking to O-I about our innovative, sustainable capabilities? Reach out to us on our website.