Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa has expanded its Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) bottle offering, giving South African producers greater choice across bottle weight, shape and colour.
The expanded MCC range now offers three bottle options. Leading the range is the new BN 1909, a lightweight 835 gram MCC bottle available in Antique. Complementing this are the BN 1889, a 900 gram Antique bottle, and the well-established BN 0608, a 900 gram bottle available in Flint, Dark Green and Antique.
MCC bottles must withstand internal pressure, which has traditionally made them heavier than still wine bottles. Reducing weight in this category without compromising strength has required precise design, testing and engineering.
Over the past two decades, Ardagh has continued to optimise bottle weight while maintaining performance across spirits, soft drinks, beer, and wine. More than half of the company’s general trade still wine portfolio now sits below 460 grams, with options extending down to 300 grams.
Demand for lighter glass is particularly strong for export markets, where sustainability regulations, carbon taxes and retailer packaging commitments are placing greater focus on bottle weight.
“Lighter bottles require slightly less raw material, which helps reduce the carbon footprint for our customers,” said Thomas Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Africa. “We expect demand for lighter glass to continue growing, and we are rolling out additional lightweight designs and colours across the portfolio.”
Glass protects the winemaker’s intended flavour profile without chemicals, additives or impurities. As an infinitely recyclable material, it also supports a circular wine economy, making it a strong packaging choice for producers focused on quality, sustainability and brand presentation.
The premium and higher-value wine segments remain resilient as consumers increasingly choose to drink less but better. MCC is well positioned in this part of the market, where packaging plays an important role in quality perception and shelf appeal.
Ardagh has supplied South Africa’s wine industry for decades, with dedicated key account and quality teams supporting producers across the country. “Our relationships with South African wine producers are built on trust, responsiveness and innovation,” said Shaw. “Giving MCC producers a meaningful choice of weight, shape and colour is part of how we continue to support an industry we are deeply invested in.”
Ardagh Glass Packaging–Africa (AGP–A) was established in 2022 when Ardagh Group successfully concluded the strategic acquisition of Consol Glass.
