M&S winemaker Belinda Kleinig said: "This is really exciting for M&S as it means our customers can enjoy the same great quality but in much lighter bottles, which its not only easier for them to carry but better for the environment."

The bottles are now available in store and took more than two years to develop. The bottle consists of two layers of PET sandwiching a barrier to prevent oxygen from reaching the wine.

Paul Sapin and Roger Harris Wines collaborated with M&S in creating the bottles that are guaranteed to keep wine fresh for at least 12 months. The lighter bottle is also said to reduce the carbon footprint of transport and distribution.

"With summer around the corner, we're hoping they prove a real hit," said Kleinig.

The news comes a day after Packaging News revealed that glass manufacturer O-I had published a carbon footprint that showed glass had the lowest carbon footprint for a 355ml container.