Bulk wine transport using flexitanks remains a practical solution for importers seeking efficiency and responsible resource management. After the wine has been discharged, the focus naturally shifts to what happens to the flexitank itself. Understanding the flexitank recycling process helps wine importers evaluate how materials are managed post-use and how waste can be minimised throughout the supply chain.

This article explains how used wine flexitanks can be collected, prepared and processed after discharge.  It outlines each recovery route, demonstrates how materials can be repurposed, and highlights the factors that influence recycling choices across different markets. The aim is to provide clarity and transparency, helping wine importers understand how flexitanks can support evolving expectations around material recovery and responsible bulk wine transport.

What is the flexitank recycling process?

The flexitank recycling process refers to the controlled collection, handling, and treatment of used flexitanks after they have been used to transport wine. Hillebrand Gori’s flexitanks are produced in-house from high quality, virgin-grade polyethylene film and are specifically designed for recycling where a suitable infrastructure is available.

After discharge, each flexitank follows a defined recovery pathway. Any remaining wine is drained, the materials are prepared, and the flexitank is then directed to the most suitable recycling or recovery option. The aim is to preserve material value wherever possible, while complying with local legislation and waste-management requirements.

This approach supports responsible bulk wine transport planning and helps wine importers minimise unnecessary material waste beyond the transport phase.

Why does flexitank recycling matter for wine importers?

Wine importers are increasingly expected to demonstrate what happens to packaging and transport materials after use. Recycling flexitanks helps reduce flexitank-related waste reduction by limiting disposal and enabling recovered materials to be repurposed in new applications.

From a planning perspective, clear recovery pathways enable importers to align bulk wine transport decisions with internal sustainability goals and expectations from external partners. Transparency around recycling also provides reassurance that materials are managed responsibly at destination - not only during the transport journey.

Organisations such as UNCTAD continue to highlight the role of responsible material management in global trade, particularly for high-volume logistics solutions like bulk wine.

How does a used flexitank move from discharge to recovery?

Once a flexitank has been emptied, a structured step-by-step recovery process begins.

The flexitank is removed from the container and suspended on a rack, allowing any remaining wine residue to drain to the lowest point. The hanging time varies according to the product viscosity. A drum or IBC is positioned underneath to capture the remaining liquid.

After draining, the flexitank is taken down, folded to a standard width and rolled. At this stage, it is ready for onward transport to a consolidation depot or recovery facility. From there, it is transferred to a dedicated equipment recovery location, where materials and components are separated and prepared.  This preparation step supports safe handling and helps determine the most suitable recycling or recovery route.

Check out this video to see the recycling process in action.

Which recycling routes are used for wine flexitanks?

Several recycling or recovery options are available, depending on the recycling infrastructure available in the local market and the type of residue present.

Mechanical recycling

Mechanical recycling is well suited to flexitanks that have transported wine, as wine residue can typically be removed efficiently. The polyethylene film is washed, shredded and re-granulated into resin which can be used to produce new items such as construction film, refuse bags, plastic piping or composite materials. We even use it in the outer layer of one of our multilayered flexitanks. This route retains a high proportion of the material’s original value and demonstrates a true circular economy.

Chemical recycling

Chemical recycling complements mechanical recycling when a higher level of material purity is required. Through processes such as depolymerisation or pyrolysis, plastic is converted into a feedstock, which can be used to produce new polymers or fuels. This route enables material recovery when mechanical recycling is not feasible or available.

Energy recovery

When residue cannot be removed in a viable way, energy recovery is used. Plastic material is processed to generate heat or electricity. Any remaining ash is then treated for further material recovery. This option ensures that value is still extracted from the flexitank when traditional recycling are not feasible.

What determines the recycling method used?

The recycling or recovery route for a flexitanks is influenced by several considerations:

• Location, legislation and local infrastructure:  Availability of certified recyclers and local waste management regulations
• Volume:  larger local volumes support more efficient and cost-effective recovery planning
• Wine characteristics: Factors such as viscosity and the ease at which residue can be removed.
• Material condition: the cleanliness and integrity of the polyethylene film after discharge
• Compliance requirements: the requirement to work with approved, certified, waste-management partners.
  

These considerations help ensure that recycling flexitanks remains safe, compliant and efficient across different markets.

How are recycled flexitank materials used?

Recycled flexitank materials are typically converted into secondary raw materials. These materials can be used in sectors such as construction and industrial packaging.

Using recycled flexitank material helps reduce demand for virgin plastics in other applications. While flexitanks are single use to protect wine quality and maintain strict hygiene standards, the material itself can continue to deliver value long after its original role in bulk wine transport.

This extended use supports broader circular logistics principles while ensuring that wine quality and integrity remain fully protected.

Key stages in the flexitank recycling process

• Controlled removal and collection after wine discharge
• Residue draining and material preparation
• Transport to consolidation or recovery depots
• Separation and assessment of materials
• Recycling or recovery through approved facilities
  

This clear, end-to-end process helps ensure consistency and transparency across different regions.

How Hillebrand Gori can help with recycling wine flexitanks

As a logistics partner specialising in bulk wine transport, Hillebrand Gori supports wine importers by providing structured, global flexitank recovery and recycling programs. From post-discharge collection to coordination with certified waste partners, each step is designed to simplify logistics. Combined with our global bulk wine expertise and digital visibility tools, this approach helps importers balance operational efficiency with responsible material management.