Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is extremely sensitive to light, oxygen, heat and metal contact. Packaging, therefore, plays a direct role in how long an olive oil remains “extra virgin.” Major reviews from UC Davis emphasise that optimal packaging must reduce light exposure, oxygen ingress, and headspace, while also ensuring cool storage. At the same time, producers—especially small to medium Australian growers—must consider costs, machinery requirements, recyclability, consumer preferences, and minimum order quantities (MOQ). Below is the most complete and updated comparison of all common packaging formats.

1. Plastic Bottles (PET)

Quality & Shelf Life

PET offers convenience and low cost but has moderate oxygen permeability and allows light penetration, which accelerates oxidation. A 2023 study showed PET-stored EVOO experienced higher acidity, peroxide values, UV oxidation indices and sensory degradation over 12 months—especially at elevated temperatures.

Chemical Safety

Migration of PET oligomers and antimony into oil is within regulatory limits, but increases under heat.

Sustainability

rPET has a lower carbon footprint than glass, but Australian recycling for PET varies by region.

Practicality

• Cheapest and compatible with basic filling lines.
• Lightweight and non-breakable.
  
• Perceived as lower-quality for premium EVOO.
  

2. Metal Cans (Tinplate or Aluminium with Food-Grade Lining)

Quality & Shelf Life

Metal cans provide total light protection and excellent oxygen barrier characteristics. UC Davis stresses that lined cans effectively prevent metal migration and protect quality.

Compared with BIB, cans may show slightly faster oxidation when half-empty, but still protect oil well if stored cool. A 24-month study found both cans and BIB maintained EVOO within legal quality limits.

Consumer & Practical Benefits

• Easily filled by weight, needing no specialised equipment.
• Compatible with pull-up pourers that provide tamper evidence and reduce leakage.
  
• High consumer trust-no plastic contact with oil.
  
• Stackable and ideal for 3–20 L formats.
  

Sustainability

Steel and aluminium have high recycling rates in Australia.

Many producers prefer cans because Australian consumers are increasingly concerned about soft plastics, especially given the collapse of local soft-plastic recycling schemes (e.g., REDcycle).

Best for: Bulk, foodservice, premium oils, export, and producers who want reliability without specialised equipment.

3. Coloured Glass Bottles (Green / Amber)

Quality & Shelf Life

Glass is chemically inert. Coloured glass offers some UV and visible light protection—amber performs better than green - but clear glass accelerates photo-oxidation significantly.

Coloured glass slows degradation but still allows some light through, so shelf lighting and storage conditions matter.

Practicality

• Easy to fill.
• Caps can be hand-applied, or producers can install a screw-cap capping machine that forms the thread consistently, reducing leakage.
  
• Widely accepted for retail and gifting.
  

Sustainability

Highly recyclable, but heavy to transport. Bottle breakage is an inconvenience for producers.

Best for: Premium retail oils with attention to storage conditions.

4. Clear Glass Bottles

Research shows clear glass provides almost no light protection, leading to rapid losses in phenolics and faster oxidation.

UC Davis warns that clear glass should be avoided unless heavily covered by labels or cartons.

Best for: Fast-moving products or promotional oils kept strictly in the dark.

5. Bag-in-Box (BIB)

Quality & Shelf Life

Bag-in-box offers some of the best oxygen protection because the collapsing bag limits headspace oxygen, and the cardboard blocks light. Numerous studies, including 12- to 24-month trials, confirm superior preservation of phenolics, freshness, and sensory properties compared with bottles and cans.

Limitations for Australian Producers

• Requires costly specialised filling equipment (nitrogen flushing, precise tap sealing).
• High minimum order quantities for bags and taps.
  
• Soft plastics inside bags are not recyclable in most of Australia, causing consumer concern.
  

Consumer Perception

Plastic contact and disposal concerns hinder adoption, despite technical superiority.

Best for: Large producers with dedicated filling lines, subscription models, or export markets where BIB is accepted.

6. Bag-on-Valve (BOV) / Aerosol Pouch Systems

BOV packaging uses a hermetically sealed internal pouch separated from an external propellant. The oil never contacts the propellant; instead, it is dispensed by pressure.

Quality & Shelf Life

• Zero oxygen contact once sealed.
• Excellent light protection when used with opaque or metallic cans.
  
• Very low risk of oxidation compared with conventional bottles.
  

Practical Benefits for Producers

• The Olive Centre can supply BOV systems, but minimum order quantities apply, increasing upfront cost.
• Allows controlled spray application, excellent for cooking oils, finishing oils, and portion control.
  
• Protects oil quality even after repeated use, unlike bottles that suck in air after each pour.
  

Consumer & Market Benefits

• Hygienic, non-drip, clean application.
• Perceived as modern and premium.
  

Limitations

• More expensive per unit than bottles or cans.
• Cannot be easily refilled or recycled as a single stream; consumers must dispose of the metal can + internal pouch.
  

Best for: High-end culinary oils, premium lines, foodservice, and producers wanting differentiation without investing in BIB equipment.

Practical Recommendations for Australian Producers

1. For maximum quality + minimal investment → Metal cans are the best balance: easy to fill by weight, compatible with tamper-evident pull-up pourers, highly recyclable, and very protective.
2. For premium bottled products → Use dark (preferably amber) glass, avoid clear glass unless fully shrouded, and invest in a thread-forming capping machine to prevent leaks.
   
3. For innovation and high-end markets → Bag-on-valve is an excellent oxygen-free system, ideal for dressings, premium oils, and portion control—MOQ applies, but no major filling-line overhaul is required.
   
4. For long shelf-life and export → Bag-in-box remains technically superior but is limited by consumer plastics concerns, poor soft-plastic recycling, and specialised filler cost.
   
5. For low-cost, high-turnover lines → PET can work if cool, dark storage is guaranteed. Not suitable for long-term premium EVOO.
   

Conclusion

Selecting the most suitable packaging for extra virgin olive oil hinges on finding the right balance between quality preservation, consumer expectations, and production practicality. Among all options, lined metal cans stand out as one of the most reliable and efficient choices: they are easy to fill by weight, offer excellent protection from light and oxygen, avoid consumer concerns around plastics, and are highly recyclable in Australia. Coloured glass bottles remain the strongest retail performer, pairing good product protection with strong shelf appeal and flexible filling options - from hand-applied caps to automated capping machines that minimise leakage risks. Clear glass should only be used for fast-moving products due to its poor light protection. 

 While innovative systems like bag-on-valve offer outstanding oxygen exclusion and controlled dispensing, their higher cost and MOQ requirements mean they are best suited for premium or specialised product lines. PET plastic bottles can work for value-oriented, short-shelf-life oils kept in cool, dark environments, but they are not ideal for long-term storage or premium markets. 

Overall, Australian producers benefit most by matching each packaging format to the oil’s intended shelf life, sales channel, and brand positioning. Thoughtful packaging selection not only safeguards quality but also streamlines production and aligns with evolving consumer and environmental expectations.

References

• UC Davis Olive Centre (2014). Packaging Influences on Olive Oil Quality: A Review of the Literature. University of California, Davis. (Comprehensive review of light, oxygen, metals, and packaging materials.)
• Pinto, M., Soares, C., Silva, A. S. et al. (2023). “Degradation and Migration in Olive Oil Packaged in Polyethylene Terephthalate under Thermal Treatment and Storage Conditions.” Applied Sciences, 14(17), 7507. (Examines chemical migration and quality loss in PET bottles.)
  
• Iqdiam, B., Hasan, M., Agouillal, F. et al. (2022). “Influence of Headspace Oxygen on Quality and Shelf Life of Extra Virgin Olive Oil During Storage.” Foods, 11(10), 1484. (Shows how oxygen exposure accelerates oxidation in packaged EVOO.)
  
• De Leonardis, A., Lopez, F., Macciola, V. (2021). “Effects of Bag-in-Box Packaging on Long-Term Shelf Life of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.” European Food Research and Technology, 247, 839–850. (24-month comparison study of BIB vs metal cans.)
  
• Abuhabib, M. M., Serri, N. A., Aljamal, A. et al. (2025). “Evaluation of Packaging Effects on the Phenolic Profile and Sensory Characteristics of Extra Virgin Olive Oil During Storage.” Foods, 14(14), 2532. (Shows BOV/BIB-type barrier systems outperform conventional packaging.)
  
• De Feo, G., Malvano, C., Sica, C. et al. (2023). “Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Glass Bottle and 100% Recycled PET Bottle for Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.” Sustainability, 15(4), 3665. (Shows rPET has a lower carbon footprint than glass.)
  
• Lolis, A., Katsouli, M., Kotsiou, K. et al. (2019). “Effect of Bag-in-Box Packaging on Quality Characteristics of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Stored Under Household and Abuse Temperature Conditions.” Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 21, 100368. (Demonstrates the protective effect of high-barrier films.).
  
• Esposto, S., Taticchi, A., Urbani, S. et al. (2022). “Effect of Light Exposure and Packaging Conditions on the Quality and Shelf Life of Virgin Olive Oil.” Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 102(10), 4304–4313. (Quantifies degradation rates in clear vs coloured containers.)
  
• FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) (2020). Food Packaging and Migration Guidelines. (Authoritative reference for food-contact material safety, including PET and metal linings.)
  

In a landmark moment for global agricultural preservation, olive seeds have been deposited for the first time in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault - the world’s most secure facility for safeguarding crop diversity.

Located deep within the Arctic permafrost of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, the Seed Vault serves as a global backup system for the planet’s agricultural biodiversity. Often described as the “doomsday vault,” it protects seeds against the risks of climate change, natural disasters, conflict, and biodiversity loss.

Now, for the first time in history, olive seeds are part of that global legacy.

A Historic Milestone for the Olive Sector

The deposit marks a significant step forward in protecting one of the world’s most iconic and culturally important crops. Olive trees have sustained civilizations for thousands of years, symbolising peace, resilience and nourishment. Preserving their genetic diversity ensures that this legacy continues for generations to come.

Jaime Lillo Lopez, Executive Director of the International Olive Council (IOC), highlighted the importance of the moment:

“The seeds we have deposited are the legacy of farmers who, throughout history, selected the most resistant trees - those that produced the best fruit or adapted to diverse soils, climates and diverse conditions. These seeds are a guarantee that future generations will continue to enjoy such an extraordinary product as olive oil.”

His words underscore what this deposit truly represents: not just seeds, but centuries of accumulated knowledge, adaptation, and agricultural selection.

A Global Collaboration for Agricultural Resilience

This initiative was launched within the framework of the European H2020 GEN4OLIVE project, a research programme dedicated to unlocking and conserving olive genetic diversity. It was subsequently promoted by the IOC, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The collaboration extended to leading academic and research institutions, including:

• Universidad de Córdoba (UCO)
• Universidad de Granada (UGR)
  
• Plant Genetic Resources Centre (CRF-INIA)
  
• National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA)
  
• Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
  

Organisations such as NordGen and the Crop Trust, along with representatives including Juan Antonio Polo Palomino, Abderraouf Laajimi, Álvaro Toledo, Dr. Kent Nnadozie, Concepción Muñoz Diez, Hristofor Miho and Pablo Morello Parra, also played key roles in bringing this milestone to fruition.

Olive Genetics

For olive growers and producers worldwide, this development carries profound implications.

Olive trees are uniquely adapted to marginal soils, water scarcity, and variable climates. However, increasing pressures from:

• Climate variability
• Emerging pests and diseases
  
• Water limitations
  
• Soil degradation
  
• Shifting production zones
  

Traditional and wild olive varieties contain traits that may hold the key to:

• Improved drought tolerance
• Disease resistance
  
• Adaptation to new climatic conditions
  
• Enhanced oil quality characteristics
  
• Resilience to environmental stress
  

From Mediterranean Heritage to Arctic Safeguard

The symbolic power of Mediterranean olive genetics being stored in Arctic ice is profound. It reflects the global importance of olives - no longer confined to traditional growing regions but increasingly cultivated across diverse climates worldwide.

As olive production expands into new regions, including areas facing climatic volatility, the value of preserved genetic material grows exponentially. The Svalbard deposit ensures that even in worst-case scenarios, the genetic foundation of the olive sector remains secure.

A Commitment Beyond Science

This initiative goes beyond seed banking.

It represents recognition that agricultural biodiversity is a shared global responsibility. Farmers, researchers, governments, and international organisations are united by a common understanding: safeguarding crop diversity is essential for future food systems.

The olive industry - deeply rooted in tradition - is demonstrating that it is equally committed to innovation, resilience and long-term stewardship.

Securing the Future of Olive Oil

For growers, processors, and industry stakeholders, this historic deposit sends a message: the olive sector is planning for the long term.

Preserving traditional and wild varieties ensures that future generations will continue to:

• Cultivate olives in changing climates
• Maintain oil quality standards
  
• Protect regional characteristics and heritage
  
• Develop improved cultivars
  
• Sustain global olive oil production
  

Leipzig Australia, led by chief executive Frank Vounasis, has unveiled plans for an $80 million olive grove development near Waikerie in South Australia.

The proposed project, known as Waikerie Grove, would span 1,000 hectares and become the state’s largest olive grove. It is expected to include approximately 357,000 olive trees and produce up to 2.8 million litres of olive oil annually.

The development is projected to create 20 full-time positions and around 70 seasonal jobs. Management of the grove will be handled by Diana Olive Oil, supported by a 30-year supply agreement with an ASX-listed distributor.

In addition to the grove, Leipzig Australia has proposed rezoning 300 hectares of nearby land to establish an employment precinct called Waikerie Park. Plans for the precinct include an olive-crushing plant and potential complementary businesses such as an abattoir, solar farm and nursery. The broader precinct is forecast to generate 346 full-time jobs and contribute approximately $38.4 million annually to the local economy. 

According to Mr Vounasis, the olive grove will proceed regardless of whether rezoning for the employment precinct is approved. The project includes plans for a 10-13 kilometre pipeline drawing up to 900 litres per second from the River Murray to support operations.

If successful, a second 600-hectare plantation may also be developed. The rezoning proposal will now move to community consultation before being considered by the South Australian Government.

Source: The Greek Herald 30 / 12 / 2025, originally reported by The Advertiser.