Cuvaison has always believed that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the expense of luxury. The winery’s commitment to being a “green” winery is woven into every facet of its operations, from capturing water for reuse to integrating recycled materials in its buildings. However, when it comes to packaging—specifically, their wine bottles—achieving that balance between luxury and sustainability is a delicate dance. That’s where Cuvaison’s partnership with M. A. Silva has truly shined.
Dan Zepponi, President and CEO of Cuvaison, recalls the journey of redesigning their proprietary wine bottles with M. A. Silva. According to Zepponi, they had a very clear vision. The goal was to reduce the weight of their bottles for a more sustainable shipping process without compromising the luxurious feel and appearance that Cuvaison is known for. M. A. Silva understood that challenge from the outset.
Lightweight glass bottles often carry the stigma of looking flimsy and cheap, with features like a skinny punt and a drip ring that can detract from the bottle’s overall aesthetic. Zepponi was determined to avoid that pitfall. Luxury doesn’t have to mean heavy, but it certainly shouldn’t look lightweight either.
M. A. Silva’s team took that challenge to heart and delivered beyond expectations. They successfully reduced the weight of Cuvaison’s luxury bottles by 27%, all while maintaining the high-end look and feel that Cuvaison’s wines are known for. But that wasn’t the only hurdle. The M. A. Silva team meticulously measured the dimensions to ensure the new bottles would fit seamlessly into wine racks—a crucial consideration for both storage and presentation in the wine industry.
– Dan Zepponi, President and CEO of Cuvaison
Cuvaison’s focus on quality has always been a cornerstone of their brand, and M. A. Silva’s rigorous QA process aligned perfectly with that. The glass manufacturer’s dedication to quality assurance is evident not only in the final product but throughout their sourcing and preparation process. Every piece of packaging is received, checked, staged, and delivered as a cohesive unit, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
But M. A. Silva’s commitment didn’t stop at the bottle’s design. Cuvaison also needed to reduce its carbon footprint associated with packaging and transport. Cuvaison didn’t want to use foil toppers, as these are made of tin and are not sustainable. But a bare bottleneck didn’t meet the winery’s quality goals. The idea arose for a painted “bead” around the top. This could be done, but would require the bottles be shipped to another location for painting or decoration, adding unnecessary “bottle miles” to the process. M. A. Silva innovated a solution that met Cuvaison’s needs. They developed a process to add a painted drip ring right before glass delivery, eliminating the need for additional transportation and further reducing the environmental impact.
Partnering with M. A. Silva allowed Cuvaison to take a holistic approach to sustainability. From analyzing the carbon footprint of each item to reducing reliance on non-sustainable materials like tin foils, M. A. Silva has been with Cuvaison every step of the way. The shift from traditional tin foils to a painted drip ring is just one example of the innovative solutions that have come from this partnership.
Cuvaison’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond packaging. Their internal initiatives, such as using electric carts, installing solar panels, and implementing QR codes in place of printed sell sheets, reflect a broader effort to minimize their environmental impact. Zepponi emphasizes that Cuvaison doesn’t just want to tick the boxes for certifications; for them, it’s about doing what’s right. If they can maintain a luxury experience, reduce costs, and lower their carbon footprint all at once, why wouldn’t they?
Working with M. A. Silva has proven that luxury and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand. Their responsiveness, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality have made them a trusted partner in Cuvaison’s journey to being a truly green winery. Together, they’ve shown that with the right collaboration, there’s no need to choose between doing well and doing good.
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*Verfied by Cork Quality Council Data
**All M.A. Silva cork products comply with existing FDA and European regulations for products in contact with food
