Sicily’s Wineries Revolutionize Sustainability with Local Glass Recycling

A circular glass system is transforming Sicilian wine—11.3 million bottles and counting. Could this eco-innovation reshape how the world drinks sustainably?

, and Administrator

2026 January 19 . 4:54 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster advertising a wine tasting in Capri, Italy. It features a tree with lush... — The image shows a poster advertising a wine tasting in Capri, Italy. It features a tree with lush green leaves, a pillar, a body of water, rolling hills, and a bright blue sky. The poster also has text written on it, likely describing the wine tasting experience.

Sicily’s Wineries Revolutionize Sustainability with Local Glass Recycling

Sicily’s wine industry has taken a bold step towards sustainability with a fully localised glass system. The initiative, driven by the SOStain programme, focuses on recycling, lightweight bottles, and cutting carbon emissions. Over 11.3 million bottles have already been adopted by certified wineries since 2023.

The project is led by the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines and Assovini Sicilia. Their SOStain programme sets strict sustainability rules for members, though joining remains voluntary. Once a winery signs up, compliance becomes mandatory.

At the heart of the system is the 'CentoperCento Sicilia' bottle—a 360-gram, 0.75-litre design made from recycled glass. These bottles are produced and reused entirely within Sicily, slashing transport emissions. Alberto Tasca d’Almerita, president of Fondazione SOStain and Weingut Tasca d’Almerita, has been instrumental in rolling out the scheme. The success hinges on a steady supply of high-quality cullet, the crushed glass used for recycling. Without it, the circular system risks disruption. The model’s potential to expand depends on regional infrastructure, industry cooperation, and consumer support. Experts suggest that other wine regions could adopt a similar approach. Areas with concentrated production and strong recycling networks might test lightweight, standardised bottles next.

The Sicilian model proves that collaboration and shared responsibility can drive sustainability in wine. More than 11.3 million CentoperCento bottles are now in circulation, all made and recycled locally. If replicated elsewhere, the system could further reduce the industry’s environmental impact.