According to a new report from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), bulk importing of wine into the UK delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions, but transport and packaging used can also…
According to a new report from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), bulk importing of wine into the UK delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions, but transport and packaging used can also effect savings. Named “Bottling Wine in a Changing Climate”, the study points out how reductions in the wine trade“s transport and packaging carbon footprint can be made. It analyzes the importing of wine from Australia and the Bordeaux region in France, and highlights key areas where savings can be made using bulk containers or bottling at source, lighter glass bottles and method of transport chosen. According to the report, significant reductions of 30% to 40% in CO2 emissions from the transportation of wine can be achieved by bulk importation of wine rather than shipping in bottles. Reductions of up to 30% can also be achieved using lighter glass bottles. The combination of these strategies can, however, result in greater reductions. Combining the benefits of bulk shipping and bottling in the UK into the lightest 300g bottles can save 375g CO2 for each 75cl bottle of wine. The study is a key stage in WRAP“s GlassRite programme, which was launched in 2006. GlassRite encourages the lightweighting of wine bottles sold in the UK, as well as encouraging wine importers, brand owners and retailers to bulk import wine and then bottle it in lighter glass bottles manufactured in the UK. The study has established benchmark figures that can help importers reduce their carbon footprint by analyzing available transport and packaging options. The study was available at the London International Wine & Spirits Fair (LIWSF) held 22 May at London“s ExCeL exhibition centre. WRAP is also aiming at the use of lighter glass packaging in other food and drink sectors, including spirits and beer. Thanks to this initiative, Rockware Glass produced the first commercially available 70cl spirits bottle to weigh less than 300 grammes, Coors Brewers Ltd reduced the weight of its 300ml Grolsch beer bottle by 23%, and Adnams Brewery is now using a lightweight bottle for its 500ml Broadside, Explorer and The Bitter brands.