Doing Our Bit For The Environment
We can all play a part in reducing our carbon footprint. VI Packaging. Vinpac International and Dorrien Estate are implementing an Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015 Style) which will help us monitor, assess, plan and improve our environmental performance.
What does this actually mean?
We are currently working on several projects such as solid waste reduction, developing wastewater, energy strategies, removal of paper cups onsite and working with our suppliers to help them reach their goals of reducing their carbon footprint.
Our Businesses are committed to protecting the environment by minimising the environmental impacts concerning our activities, products and services.
How are we working with suppliers to help their carbon footprint?
Vinpac International/VI Packaging has contributed to the retention of 78 tonnes of C02 through its purchase of corks during 2017. We continue to work with Amorim Australia and with the glass companies to ensure that we are doing our bit. We are working with O-I in their goal to light weight some of their most popular wine bottles. According to wrap.org, a 20% reduction in a wine bottle’s weight would save 100g of CO2 emissions per bottle from packaging production and transportation.
O-I are releasing a new light weight bottle 31595 which is a lighter weight version of the 30143 Punted Claret BVS bottle. They also have plans to light weight their 30163 Premium Claret BVS and 5362 Punted Burgundy BVS. Please see below the 31595 and 30143 comparison.
The 31595 will be released next year and will also be available on our Website Product Catalogue when released. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Account Manager for Fact Sheets, Bottle Specifications and Samples in the New Year.
Taking positive steps
Small changes like the reduction of consumption of goods is one of the most important positive effects we can have on the environment.
Did you know Australians consume more than 50,000 cups of coffee every half hour, and an estimated 1 billion takeaway hot drink cups every year?? If we lined up all the coffee cups used each year in Australia they would stretch round the world…twice! That’s a lot of coffee cups.
Do we really need to use disposable cups on site? The answer is ‘no’. If everyone used reusable coffee cups we wouldn’t contribute negatively to this environmental issue.
Reusable ceramic coffee mugs have been ordered and will be distributed around our Barossa and McLaren Vale sites so staff and visitors have access to them. This is just one of the many steps we have made to make a positive change.
What our are environmental objectives for the future?
- Energy: Reduce electricity and gas consumption.
- Water: Reduce water usage, improve wastewater and air quality.
- Solid waste: Reduce solid waste, improve the recyclability of packaging materials and contribute to a circular economy.
- Team Engagement: Build awareness in the organisation in relation to environmental sustainability and Business performance.
The system is currently being implemented. Our aim is to have the system fully implemented by the end of June 2019. As we implement these projects we will keep you informed.
