We find that the topic of sustainability in our industry is not addressed as much as it should be and wish to make a statement to not only our customers but to other industry leaders and suppliers worldwide as to exactly why we prioritize our sustainability and why it matters.

THE PROBLEM WE FACE:

• Every year, our industry contributes to the staggering statistic of producing 70 billion single-use glass bottles per year for wine and spirits, with each having an average carbon footprint of 550g of CO2 emissions per bottle.
• Despite being recyclable, these glass bottles have to be melted at 1400–1600 degrees Celsius, which leads to an energy-intensive recycling process whose quality decreases with each down cycle.
• When these bottles are produced in the billions and shipped internationally across vast distances, it leads to tremendous degradation of the environment and exacerbates climate change.

WHAT WE DO ABOUT IT:

Bottle Buyback:

In a world first for Portugal and the city of Porto we have implemented bottle buy back program across our portfolio. whether it be through trade or direct consumers we encourage the return of bottles back to our distillery in Porto after usage so that we may wash, sterilize, and reuse them for others to enjoy in the future.

We have created a circular economy and are closing the loop where we waste as little glass as possible. When one of our bottles in good condition is returned to us, we provide a credit of €2 (per bottle) for the next purchase.

• In addition to this, we promise that with every bottle of INVICTA GIN or RUMINATE RUM purchased, we will plant one tree in cooperation with a partner company to combat the rapid rate at which we lose our forests.
• By purchasing from us, you are drinking products crafted by us that is not only more sustainable for the environment but also supports the economy of Portugal where the products are created, uplifting and supporting the hospitality community and industry. Provenance is important, purchasing locally is not only encouraged but a necessity.
• Every aspect of our product, whether it be the reusing of water waste for cleaning purposes or the goal of ensuring our bottles be reused or recycled, is designed to reduce  waste.
• However, saying this is completely different from executing it and holding ourselves up to the standards we set. We want to set the mark as to how businesses in our industry should treat the environment and structure their businesses, eliminating all forms of greenwashing.

THE FUTURE

This is an ongoing process that we will continue to evolve and adapt where we can reduce our impact.

Truthfully the industry globally as a whole needs to do much much more as it is clear that change is needed but suppliers need to create alternatives and governments and industry need to be incentivised to make it happen.

the porto protocol (yes its supposed to be in lowercase as per their brand guidelines)

We have become members of the porto protocol, to join a group of committed businesses and citizens that are focused on driving positive change across the wine (drinks) industry, in reducing the impact of the sector on the world we live in www.portoprotocol.com