LVMH has worked with packaging group Amcor to develop a plastic-free foil to use on the drinks giant’s Moët & Chandon Champagnes.

The production of the foil, made of aluminium and paper, will start in October.

In a statement, Amcor said replacing plastic with paper gives the material a carbon footprint that is 31% lower “compared to standard polylaminate foils”. The company said it used a life-cycle assessment tool verified by The Carbon Trust.

The material contains around 60% aluminum. Amcor’s pointed to aluminium’s recyclability and its “aesthetic properties”. The company said it “fits the bottle perfectly and can be customised according to market requirements”.

Amcor, which has dubbed the plastic-free foil Essentielle, makes the material at its site in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in Champagne.

Yannick Magnon, the MD of the company’s Amcor Capsules unit, said: “Amcor Capsules is drawing on Essentielle to revolutionise the industry by offering a recyclable, plastic-free solution that suits the fast pace of their packaging lines, confirming its major role among wine-growing players, here in Champagne.”

Amcor said initially the plastic-free foil will only be available with texturing to allow wine producers “to retain the premium look of their bottles and the productivity of their packaging lines”.

A version of the foil with a smooth finish will be available during the first quarter of next year.

Sibylle Scherer, the president and CEO of LVMH’s Maison Moët unit, said: “At Moët et Chandon, we are proud to support and accelerate innovation within the Champagne sector. We have been spearheading initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and cut carbon emissions.”