The Bottle Weight Accord
The Glass bottle represents up to 50% of a wine’s total carbon footprint. To address this, we launched the SWR Bottle Weight Accord in 2023, where participants commit to reduce their average bottle weight (750ml still wines) below 420g. The Accord now brings together companies across the entire value chain, collectively responsible for producing and selling over a billion bottles of wine annually, setting a new industry-wide standard for lighter bottles.
Read more
Standards Benchmarking
There are over 40 different sustainability standards in the wine industry. At present, it’s difficult to understand how they compare, or assess how each one reflects a credible commitment to sustainability. Using our Global Reference Framework (GRF) and associated scoring matrix, SWR is conducting the first of what will be an annual benchmarking of all sustainability standards in wine to clearly demonstrate how they align, and where they differ. Over time this annual benchmarking will ensure that the bar for sustainability in wine is consistently raised.
Read more
The Sustainable Viticulture Protocol
Built on SWR’s research into agrochemical reduction, the Sustainable Viticulture Protocol offers a shared approach to decision-making around chemical use, acknowledging that growing conditions vary considerably across regions. The Protocol will allow growers and vineyards to credibly demonstrate that though decisions will vary from location to location, all are focussed on delivering the same goal: reduced chemical use and adopting carbon-positive regenerative viticultural techniques.
Read more
Packaging Choice Framework
While glass bottles are the predominant packaging format for wine, alternative options such as bag-in-box, metal cans, and cardboard bottles are becoming more prevalent. However, there is a lack of clarity around the sustainability, financial, and practical trade-offs between these formats. The SWR Packaging Choice Framework offers an evidence-based evaluation of all major packaging options, including closures and other components.
Read more
Labour Standards
There are clear labour rights challenges in wine. SWR is developing an evidence-based approach to drive action and raise awareness. We engage our members on the importance of labour and human rights through detailed online engagement and are working to develop a shared framework to address these complex issues.
Read more
Bottle Miles Calculator
Wine bottles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, not only because of their weight but also due to the distance they travel from production to disposal. The SWR Bottle Miles Calculator provides an evidence-based tool for understanding the carbon footprint of wine bottles across their entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction to final disposal.
Read more
