Champagne house Bruno Paillard is phasing out transparent glass bottles across its Multi Vintage range in a move designed to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of recycled materials.

The independent, family-owned producer has switched to brown glass for its Première Cuvée and Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, both of which are now available in the UK in the new packaging. Other cuvées will follow as they are released following post-disgorgement ageing.

According to the producer, coloured glass can contain up to 85% recycled material, compared with just 25% for transparent bottles. Glass production accounts for almost 15% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Champagne sector, making packaging an important target for producers seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

The new bottles retain the distinctive shape introduced by Bruno Paillard in 1984, with a broader base and longer neck than conventional Champagne bottles. The design was intended to increase contact between the wine and lees during ageing. The switch to darker glass also provides greater protection against light exposure, particularly for the Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, previously sold in clear bottles