the new style 500ml bottle, now embossed with the thatchers name across the shoulder, and featuring a slimmer neck, represents an 18 per cent saving in weight. the bottle has been designed and produced by ardagh group, who have supplied thatchers for fifteen years.when thatchers last redesigned its glass bottle a 21 per cent saving in weight was then achieved. the somerset cidermaker will now begin to move all its 500ml bottled ciders into the new packaging.thatchers has also redesigned the label for the 2013 vintage cider. the gold and black label, which features a picture of thatchers founder, william john thatcher, has been enhanced with red for increased shelf stand out, and features the 2013 international brewing awards champion cider medal.ageing in oak vats which have been standing for over a hundred years, gives the new 2013 thatchers vintage cider a unique character that reflects thatchers handson approach to cider making.  fourth generation cider maker martin thatcher says, &ldquothe lightweighting of our bottles is part of a sustainability programme throughout the company, which includes projects such as the creation of our own energy from biomass, to the installation of our own water borehole. creating lighter bottles makes sense &ndash not only are there savings in energy during production, but we estimate that our full delivery loads will be 1.7 tonnes lighter.&rdquo
