Time to do the right thing

Published: 23 July, 2008

It is one thing retailers and consumers signing up to the green issue, but if those tasked with actually producing, distributing and selling wines and spirits are not equally as committed, then the whole environmental drive is in danger of slowing down.

Here, key players set out what steps they are taking to put the environment at the heart of their businesses.

"Via Ventisquero's commitment to the environment forms a key part of the winery's production and viticultural practices.

Via Ventisquero is APL certified (Chile's Clean Production Certification), and we have a water recycling process and preserve the surrounding flora and fauna.

Following the UK government's announcement in 2006 that it would reduce CO2 emissions by 20% over the next five years, we knew the pressure would build on retailers and suppliers.

"We felt we needed a certification agent suitable for the UK market, so started working with Climate Care.

The audit on our business activities and emissions relating to wine production showed that transportation to the UK released the most CO2 - almost two tons per 40ft container - so this was the first area we targeted. We can now proudly say that we are the first Chilean winery off-setting CO2."

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