Chile’s VSPT Wine Group reports sustainability leaps

The VSPT Wine Group has unveiled the seventh edition of its annual sustainability report according to GRI standards (Global Reporting Initiative).

In a positive start to the year for Chilean wine giants VSPT Wine Group, the company has reported a 13.9% rise in first quarter sales, with significant progress recorded across all three business units. Additionally, the winery’s annual sustainability report reveals significant economic, environmental and social progress made by the wine group, which remains a ‘Top 20 global wine producer’, during the period from 2019-2020.

“This report has become an important measurement tool which enables us to evaluate our progress and establish new goals and objectives. It is important to carry out this task each year in order to get closer to our ambitious goals, and to continue strengthening our leadership in sustainability,” says Bárbara Wolff, chief of sustainability at VSPT Wine Group.

The second-largest exporter of Chilean wine, with markets in over 80 countries, noted four top sustainability milestones included in the report:

1.Declaration of Diversity and Inclusion (2019)

In 2019 the wine group launched its Ser.Más programme, which aims to promote a diverse, inclusive culture among its organisation. The programme addresses essential human rights issues, such as non-discrimination,  diversity and inclusion, as well as respect, dignity and equality in the workplace.

2.Becoming a Silver Member of the IWCA (2020).

Thanks to the wine group’s commitment to mitigating climate change, in 2020 it became a Silver member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). This collaborative group is committed to putting in place solutions to limit the impact of climate change on the wine industry, through reducing carbon emissions by 100% by 2050, with a short-term commitment of 50% by 2030. VSPT Wine Group has committed to establishing its own carbon footprint baseline, and to significantly and steadily reduce this.

3.Launching its first Ecodesign Policy (2020).

VSPT has committed to new goals, time frames and objectives to reduce the environmental impact generated by bottles and packaging by 2030. It will do this by reducing the quantity and weight of bottles, as well as primary and secondary packaging. Furthermore, 60% of the portfolio will originate from recycled materials and 0% PVC use is to be used. The wine group will also now include recycling instructions for consumers on all wine labels.

4.Obtaining the Zero Waste Seal from the Ministry of the Environment (2020)

The wine group has moved forward with its Zero Waste Disposal Clean Production Agreement (CPA) at its Molina Plant, meeting its pledge to minimise solid waste generation within two years, as well as sending zero solid industrial waste to landfill sites. In 2020, the wine group succeeded in achieving 99% waste management.