The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss significant developments in Oregon's reusable glass bottle ecosystem, spearheaded by local businesses aiming to reduce waste and emissions in the beverage industry.

The meeting featured a presentation from the cofounder of Ravino Bottles, who outlined the company's mission to revive the reusable glass bottle market in the U.S. The speaker highlighted the challenges faced in scaling operations across the state, particularly the lack of infrastructure to support the reuse of glass bottles. Despite these hurdles, Ravino Bottles has successfully partnered with 63 wineries in Oregon, exceeding their initial goal of 34 within just one year of operation.

The discussion emphasized the environmental impact of glass packaging, which accounts for 40% to 60% of emissions in the wine production process. The speaker noted that transitioning to reusable bottles could significantly reduce these emissions—by 57% compared to single-use cans and 85% compared to single-use glass bottles. The company has also introduced a new screw cap bottle option to expand its reach within the wine industry.

A key point raised was the need for specialized washing equipment, which Ravino has acquired. This equipment, capable of washing 5,000 bottles per hour, is currently rare in the U.S. and will allow the company to process bottles locally rather than exporting them for washing. The facility is expected to be operational within four to six months, supported by various investors and partnerships.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program being implemented in Oregon. The speaker pointed out that the current system does not adequately support the reuse model, particularly in terms of deposit systems for wine bottles. They stressed the importance of developing a mature system within three years to demonstrate reduced environmental impacts and secure incentives under the EPR program.

Senators engaged in the discussion, seeking clarification on the emissions statistics and the challenges of consumer behavior in adapting to a new bottle return system. The speaker acknowledged that educating consumers on the return process for wine bottles is crucial for the program's success.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for collaboration among industry stakeholders to set achievable targets for reducing waste and emissions. The speaker expressed optimism about the future of the reusable bottle system, citing its success in other regions and the potential for significant environmental benefits in Oregon.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and consumer education to support the growth of the reusable glass bottle market in Oregon, as well as the collaborative efforts required to navigate the complexities of the EPR program.