Sea Change hits €500k ocean conservation funding milestone

Wine brand Sea Change is donating €500,000 to ocean conservation efforts for World Ocean Day as part of its commitment to promoting to protect and preserve the planet’s marine life. 

The theme for this year’s World Ocean Day, which is due to take place on 8 June, focuses on catalysing action for oceans and climate, with the wine producer aiming to embody the theme in three ways: direct charity support, serving conscious consumers and awareness reflected in its products.

In terms of charity, the firm donates a significant portion of its profits, as outlined, and will be distributed to several ocean conservation organisations, including Ocean Generation, Sea Changers and Olive Ridley. The funding will be used for research, conservation and education initiatives, it said.

For awareness of sustainability in its products, it said that it has minimised unnecessary packaging, such as eliminating plastic wrap around corks and removing foils from sparkling wine bottles. Labels are also sourced sustainably from grape waste, and corks are natural. The producer also uses recyclable glass and aluminium to ensure “endless recyclability”, it said, and is still “actively seeking” new packaging solutions to further its sustainability efforts.

Proud

Toby Hancock, Simon Rolfe and Ian Hanley, the directors of Sea Change said it was “hugely proud” of its achievement but was also “keenly aware of the environmental challenges that lie ahead for the planet and are committed to carrying on providing consumers with a range of wines that offer a brighter future for our ocean.”

CEO of Ocean Generation, Richard Hill, said it was “hugely grateful” for the support of Sea Change and the funding “reflects the waves of change we can make to improve environmental education and tackle ocean threats.”

Helen Webb MBE, co-founder of Sea-Changers added that the cash was “not just a reflection of financial generosity but also proof of how a business with a strong environmental commitment and values can impact on many communities’ ability to respond and create environmental change.”

Transformative

She added: “Our partnership with Sea Change Wine has allowed us to support transformative projects across the UK and provide grant opportunities for a huge range of conservation and research projects – many of which simply would not have taken place without our funding. Thank you for every contribution that joins us in this mission.”

Dr Martin Stelfox, founder and CEO of Olive Ridley Project said it was “so grateful” for the role their donations play in its work to protect sea turtles.

“The support of companies like Sea Change plays a vital role in safeguarding sea turtles and their habitats,” he added.