It’s out with the corks and in with the ‘zorks’ for sparkling wine – the eco-friendly alternative with a twist
- The plastic zork is cheaper than the traditional mushroom-shaped stopper
Next time you want to celebrate by popping a bottle of sparkling wine, you might have to twist it open instead.
For the classic cork could soon be on its way out in favour of the more eco-friendly ‘zork’.
The plastic zork, which twists off with a hiss, is cheaper than the traditional foil cap and mushroom-shaped stopper.
The item, which is resealable, can be recycled and is considered a less wasteful alternative.
It comes as one of a number of changes to red tape rules covering sparkling wines, in a bid to boost innovation from wine producers and importers.
Next time you want to celebrate by popping a bottle of sparkling wine, you might have to twist it open instead
The domestic winemaking industry has seen a 74 per cent growth in the hectarage of vines in the last five years.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that, historically, the mushroom stopper and foil wrap were necessary ‘to support the marketing of sparkling wine products sold as premium products’.
But, announcing the change, it said: ‘The sparkling wine market has subsequently evolved and is much broader, with many producers seeking new ways to meet consumer demand to reduce packaging waste.
‘The proposed reforms support evolving market trends and Government policies to reduce packaging waste.’
A spokesman added: ‘Feedback from the wine industry has shown that certain regulations within the current 400-page rulebook have been stifling innovation and preventing the introduction of more efficient and sustainable practices.
‘Changes will include removing expensive and cumbersome packaging requirements – such as ending the mandatory requirement that certain sparkling wines must have foil caps and mushroom-shaped stoppers. This will reduce unnecessary waste and packaging costs for businesses.’
Outdated rules around bottle shapes will also be scrapped so producers to use different shapes, they added.
However it is not thought the new cork rules will apply to champagne.
The Government is also removing the requirement for imported wines to have an importer address on the label, making it easier and cheaper to import wine from around the world.
The plastic zork, which twists off with a hiss, is cheaper than the traditional foil cap and mushroom-shaped stopper
The domestic winemaking industry has seen a 74 per cent growth in the hectarage of vines in the last five years
Food and drink minister Mark Spencer said: ‘The reforms we’ve announced today scrap outdated and burdensome rules so that our wineries, vineyards and traders can continue to innovate and help grow our economy.’
Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: ‘Removing the restrictive rules on importer labelling will significantly reduce the post-Brexit impact of having to have a unique UK label.
‘At a time when businesses are doing all they can to minimise packaging waste, changes to packaging rules will be good for business, the environment and consumers.’
Ned Awty, of the national association Wines of Great Britain, said: ‘Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our domestic wine industry. WineGB welcomes any measures that supports these values.’
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