Twist-off caps may represent a stereotype of lower-grade quality when it comes to wine bottles. However, these aluminum-based closures are actually gaining in popularity, particularly in Europe, which means you’ll have to shed any preconceived notions about them when purchasing wine.
Why are wine drinkers leaning towards twist-off caps? Thanks to the world moving towards greener materials, aluminum closures are recognized for their recyclability (you can also save the wine for later, which is always a bonus). From Greener Package:
When it comes to wine and spirits closures, a majority of European consumers prefer aluminum over other options. That’s according to a recent survey of 6,000 consumers conducted by market research company IPSOS.
The study, which took place in five major European markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.K.—as well as in the U.S., was commissioned by members of the EAFA Closures Group, part of the European Aluminum Foil Assn. (EAFA).
Other results of the study show that aluminum closures received top scores when consumers were asked about their preferences for reclosing a bottle of unfinished wine for later consumption. Four out of 10 surveyed confirmed they had poured away wine from a bottle closed with a cork closure that had been tainted or had gone bad.
When asked to compare their purchasing intentions of the same bottle of wine with different closures, more than one-third said they would prefer to buy wine with an aluminum closure, and a quarter said the type of closure would not influence their purchase.
At present, only 30% of consumers connect easy and complete recyclability with aluminum closures. This supports the industry’s continuing efforts to more proactively promote the advantages of recycling, as already in Europe, more than 40% of aluminum closures are recycled.
Wine snobs of the world, look out! Aluminum’s coming your way, and it may even be hauled in an aluminum-based Ford F-150!