The wine industry is at a critical juncture, recognizing the urgent need for environmentally friendly practices across the entire supply chain, from vine to table. Embracing sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a commitment that forward-thinking companies are making to minimize their environmental footprint. This commitment takes center stage at ProWein 2024, where industry leaders converge to explore innovative solutions for reducing the wine industry’s climate impact. Can the wine industry achieve the concept of sustainability with sustainable packaging or a sustainable production process? The answer is no. There’s room for improvement in logistics and supply chain management as well. In reality, the answer is more complex.
Responsible Production
The journey towards sustainability begins in the vineyards. Increasingly more vineyards are opting for organic and biodynamic methods, utilizing natural fertilizers, minimizing chemical pesticides and herbicides, and promoting biodiversity. Water management is also crucial, involving more efficient water management systems or using harvested rainwater. Operating as a climate-neutral vineyard is the ideal scenario. By embracing renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, and natural irrigation, this can be achieved.
Energy-Efficient Storage
In the construction and renovation of wine storage facilities, sustainable materials are becoming the norm. These materials not only contribute to environmental conservation but also help regulate climate within storage spaces, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems. Wineries are investing in renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind energy to further reduce their ecological footprint. Newcorp Logistics, an exceptional logistics specialist for wine and spirits, implements environmentally friendly storage solutions within its warehouse. With temperature-controlled warehouse units, perfect conditions can be replicated. Due to the vast storage space, there is an abundance of room for the installment of solar panels on the roof. They have a combined capacity of 1,000,000 kW/h, enough to foresee 283 households. This way, electricity can be generated in an energy-neutral manner. The investment is not only a testament to their dedication to sustainability, it’s also a step towards the future for the environment and the customer.
Minimizing Transport
Efficient logistical processes and optimized transport routes are crucial for minimizing CO2 emissions associated with wine transportation. Forward-thinking wine companies are consolidating their operations to reduce the need for transporting wine between facilities. The best outcome would be consolidating winemaking, bottling, and distribution in one location, perhaps the most environmentally friendly way for a bottle of wine to reach a consumer. This isn’t always feasible due to globalization and the international nature of distribution to end customers.
Sustainable Shipping Process
While sustainable packaging is vital, the wine industry is exploring other innovative solutions to reduce its environmental footprint. Lightweighting glass bottles, for example, can lead to substantial emission reductions and cost savings. Replacing traditional wooden boxes with recyclable cardboard containers align with the principles of a circular economy, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Lastly, a solution that was once the norm: bottle reuse. As the concept of a circular economy gains momentum among professionals in the wine industry and consumers, this standard will gradually return.
The journey towards a sustainable wine supply chain requires collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders. For wine producers seeking a sustainable logistical solution, Newcorp Logistics is the ideal partner. As an exceptional logistics expert, Newcorp bears significant responsibility for the green transition in logistics and supply chain management. At Newcorp Logistics, we store wine and spirits in various packaging, from barrels to bottles. Offering full service to the wine and spirits sector, as one of the few excise goods specialists in the Netherlands, we handle every (vulnerable) product correctly. Located just minutes away from the Port of Rotterdam, we minimize transport costs and CO2 emissions. By focusing on sustainability, we aim to make the supply chains in which we operate a little more environmentally friendly every day.
