#United States #New York #Champagne Telmont #Ultra-Light Bottle #Sustainable Champagne

Champagne Telmont's Revolutionary Ultra-Lightweight Champagne Bottle

On this year's Earth Day, Champagne Telmont made a significant stride towards sustainability with the launch of its ultra-lightweight standard champagne bottle, weighing just 800 grams (1.76 pounds). This innovative bottle, which accompanies the brand's Réserve Brut, not only highlights the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility but also challenges the traditional norms of the champagne industry. Previously, the standard bottle weight had remained unchanged at 835 grams for over two decades, with lighter options often deemed impractical due to the high pressure required in champagne production.

A New Era in Champagne Production

Telmont's new bottle is a product of extensive research and collaboration with French glassmaker Verallia. Together, they developed a sleek design that maintains the champagne's essential pressure resistance while being significantly lighter. This breakthrough is poised to revolutionize bottle manufacturing, which accounts for nearly 30% of champagne's carbon footprint. By integrating this innovation, Telmont aims to reduce carbon emissions by 4% per bottle - a crucial step towards a more sustainable future in winemaking.

Ludovic du Plessis, President of Champagne Telmont, expressed the company's vision: "Creativity and innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. By adopting this ultra-lightweight bottle, we aim to redefine industry standards and contribute to a more sustainable future for Champagne," he said.

Environmental Impact

The potential impact of Telmont's initiative is significant. If adopted industry-wide, this innovation could eliminate approximately 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Additionally, this new bottle design doesn't impede production processes or require modifications to existing manufacturing equipment, encouraging immediate and widespread adoption across the Champagne wine region.

Since its inception, Telmont has remained dedicated to sustainable practices. They began producing these innovative 800-gram bottles in 2022, currently launching them in the U.S. market after a three-year aging process. The production is on track to increase significantly, with 30,000 bottles made in 2023, ramping up to 220,000 bottles in 2024. By 2025, 100% of Telmont's bottles will be produced at this new lightweight standard.

Availability and Future Commitment

Champagne Telmont's Réserve Brut in the new 800-gram bottle is now available through select retailers and on the Champagne Telmont website, priced at $76. This move not only marks a milestone for the Maison but also aligns with their broader initiative launched in 2021, known as 'In the Name of Mother Nature'. This commitment includes converting all vineyards to organic and regenerative agriculture by 2050, with 70% currently certified organic.

The company has also implemented various initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and drastically reducing their carbon emissions footprint. These include eliminating unnecessary packaging, ceasing the use of transparent glass, discontinuing bespoke bottles, and relying solely on renewable energy.

The Vision of Sustainability

At the forefront of this commitment is a coalition of like-minded investors, including the great-grandson of founder Henri Lhôpital, who has been advocating for organic practices since 1999. Another notable supporter is actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio. With a continued focus on innovation and sustainability, Champagne Telmont is setting a new benchmark for the champagne industry, marrying tradition with environmental responsibility.

In 2024, they plan to introduce the 'Réserve de la Terre', a cuvée made entirely from organic grapes, showcasing their dedication to a sustainable future, free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Telmont aims to redefine not just how champagne is enjoyed but how it is produced, reflecting a growing awareness and responsibility towards our planet.

Through this groundbreaking initiative, Champagne Telmont is not just producing a beverage; they are crafting a movement towards sustainability in the wine industry. With their innovative practices, they ensure that future generations can enjoy champagne without compromising the health of the planet.