Packamama has been awarded a $1 million government grant to develop next-generation circular polymer wine bottles that reduce carbon emissions without compromising wine quality.
The funding follows an earlier $100,000 feasibility grant from the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), which supported the company’s initial study showing both technical viability and emissions savings.
Independent life cycle analyses confirmed that Packamama’s bottles cut emissions by more than 50 per cent compared to traditional glass bottles, while being lighter, shatterproof, and fully recyclable through existing systems.
As one of only two proof-of-concept recipients chosen from six feasibility-stage participants in the Alternative Packaging for Australian Wine challenge, Packamama sees the grant as a strong vote of confidence in its mission to excite consumers and decarbonise wine through design and technology.
Over the next 18 months, the company will validate its bottle innovations through material trials, recyclability testing, and consumer research.
Retail collaborations are also being explored locally and in the UK, building on prior listings with Coles, Tesco and Aldi.
“Being selected by the Australian Government and Wine Australia to help lead the industry’s packaging transition is deeply motivating,” said Santiago Navarro, CEO and founder of Packamama.
“It proves that innovation in materials, design, and technology can protect wine and the planet in equal measure. Together, we can make the wine bottle part of the climate solution, not the problem.”
