Our Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability: Monte Bello Boxes

Blog Post

In our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and selecting more sustainable options for our packaging products, we recently made the switch from packing Monte Bello in wood boxes.

While our branded wood boxes are popular with collectors, we acknowledge that there are better options available. That’s why we’re switching to a new three-bottle box made from 100% recycled paper, water-based ink, and green cell foam packing materials. This innovative product is a natural, environmentally friendly option made from corn that dissolves in water.

Green Cell Foam

The Green Cell protective foam used in our new corrugated boxes works just as well as traditional petroleum-based foams, but is a far more sustainable, fully compostable option made from cornstarch. While traditional packing foams are made from single-use polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (PU), and polyethylene (PE), Green Cell foam provides the same level of protection for our wines and has a far less negative impact on the environment.

“The material is certified compostable and bio-based, but the real beauty of it is that it dissolves in water. You can put it in your sink and wash it down the drain—and it’s gone. We’ve worked with several municipalities to verify that it does not pose any environmental or pollution threat to the water supply, and we’ve tested it as being safe for pipes, septic systems and water systems. When it comes to disposal, there’s just not a more convenient material out there.” – Tim Colonnese, KTM Industries

Reduced Environmental Impact

“In order to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen our impact on the environment, we have been carefully reviewing all of our packaging. Our new Monte Bello box is lighter in weight, fully recyclable, and easier to work with than the wooden box it replaces.” — Mark Vernon, Ridge Vineyards CEO

Packaging is the largest hurdle we have in the wine industry for lowering our carbon footprint. With this switch, we will save:

  • 10,000 wooden boxes each year
  • 50,000 pounds of total weight being shipped around the world

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