The View: Petainer Kegs - A Sustainable and Economical Solution

Located in the heart of Canada’s Okanagan Valley, The View Winery has built its reputation on producing award-winning wines and Wards Apple Cider. As the winery expanded its distribution throughout the Pacific Northwest, President Jennifer Molgat sought an eco-conscious, cost-effective way to serve their products on tap.

For a small operation, stainless steel kegs were both expensive and logistically complex. Instead, The View Winery turned to Petainer’s one-way PET kegs in 2015—a move that not only supported a sustainable business model but also freed up capital for further growth and innovation.

The Challenge: Cost, Sustainability & Scalability

The View Winery needed a solution that balanced several pressing industry challenges:

1. Avoiding Large Up-Front Costs: Before discovering Petainer, the team considered building a fleet of stainless steel kegs—a steep investment for a relatively small winery and cidery. Purchasing, sanitizing, and retrieving steel kegs also required more staffing and a dedicated return process.
2. Meeting Sustainability Commitments: With an ethos centered on environmental stewardship, the winery aimed to reduce its carbon emissions and water usage. Traditional keg systems use significant cleaning chemicals and involve return trips that increase the carbon footprint.
3. Ensuring Scalability & Flexibility: The team needed a solution that allowed for small initial orders and gradual scaling into the keg market, enabling them to break in at their own pace without committing to a high-risk purchase upfront.

The Solution: One-Way Petainer Kegs

After researching various kegging options, The View Winery adopted Petainer’s 20lt and 30lt one-way PET kegs, choosing smaller kegs for wine (Silver Lining White and Red) and larger volumes for Wards Apple Cider.

In addition to the core benefits—lightweight design, easy recyclability, and minimal cleaning needs—The View Winery found that:

• No Costly Return Loop: Petainer’s kegs ship directly to the customer and go into the recycling bin afterward, eliminating the time and expense of retrieving steel containers.
• Consistent Innovation: The View team appreciated Petainer’s commitment to refining keg design and valve technology over the years, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
• Flexible Order Quantities: The View Winery was able to purchase a modest number of kegs initially and then scale up orders as they gained traction with restaurants and pubs.
• Operational Ease: The lightweight, recyclable design streamlines logistics, reduces handling difficulties, and simplifies storage.

Results: Reduced Costs, Enhanced Efficiency & Market Expansion

By incorporating Petainer kegs into their distribution model, The View Winery achieved several operational and financial advantages:

• Reduced Capital Expenditure: Steering clear of stainless steel kegs and sanitization equipment allowed the winery to invest in other areas of the business—such as brand development and product innovation.
• Lower Carbon Footprint: Without the need for hot water washes or return shipping, The View’s carbon emissions dropped significantly. Petainer kegs, by the winery’s estimates, only produce 30% of the carbon footprint compared to steel.
• Effortless Handling & Sleek Look: Staff reported that the lightweight kegs are easier to maneuver, while their modern design aligns with the winery’s brand aesthetic. They’re particularly handy for events and high-turnover venues where quick setup is essential.
• Improved Cash Flow: One-way kegs freed The View from tying up funds in a large keg inventory, allowing them to scale production for wine and cider based on real-time market demand.

In terms of the bottom line, Petainer kegs allowed us to avoid an uncomfortable up-front capital investment. We eased into the keg market with far less risk and a simplified one-way distribution model, all while supporting our sustainability ethos.

Jennifer Molgat, The View Winery President

Conclusion: A Future with Sustainable Wine on Tap

For The View Winery, Petainer’s one-way kegs have proven to be a transformative solution—balancing cost savings, operational simplicity, and environmental responsibility. By eliminating the need for expensive steel keg infrastructure and return logistics, the winery can focus on what it does best: creating high-quality wines and ciders for the Pacific Northwest market.

Their experience demonstrates that even smaller wineries can thrive with the right packaging partner, by embracing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.