Raising The Bar On Sustainability- IS THE DRINKS INDUSTRY WALKING THE TALK?

IN OUR RECENT WONDERNETWORK WEBINAR WE EXPLOREd:

The Urgency for a Sustainable Future: How Drinks Brands Can Navigate the Path to Eco-Friendly Imbibing and Enact Positive Change

In 2021, the global drinks industry – including non-alcoholic and alcoholic products – emitted 1.5 billion tons of CO2e, accounting for 3.8% of all global CO2e emissions, according to a new report from consultancy firm Kearney. Whilst the industry has made some headway, currently it lags behind its goals for net zero operations, with the sector likely to still be generating 1.2 tonnes of CO2e by 2050.

Today, consumers are more discerning and environmentally conscious than ever before. From the packaging materials to the sourcing of ingredients and the ethical practices employed throughout production, consumers are demanding transparency and accountability from the brands they support.

A shift in consumer behaviour has placed the issue of a sustainable future front and centre in the drinks industry, crying out for a need to shape a greener and more responsible world. Actively seeking out drinks brands that not only deliver on aesthetic and taste, but equally align with their values and have the credentials such as B Corp status to back it up, sustainability is becoming an increasingly non-negotiable criterion for consumer loyalty with drinks brands compelled to prioritise eco-friendly practices to remain relevant and competitive in today’s market.

But how are they really doing? From brands large and small many have made a commitment to help the planet. Some, such as Avallen Spirits and Nc’Nean, have built brands around a greener future, applying the lens of sustainability to every decision they make. Other bigger brands, such as Absolut Vodka, Glengoyne Whisky and Carlsberg, are recognising the urgency for change and working hard and fast to implement and maintain eco-friendly measures.

As the climate crisis becomes ever more pressing, we came together in our WonderNETwork webinar to explore how drinks brands can raise the bar on sustainability. Hearing from an expert panel comprised of drinks industry leaders in sustainability, brand development, and environmental advocacy, we covered:

· The current state of sustainability in the drinks industry

· Consumer perceptions and expectations

· Best practices for sustainable sourcing and production

· Innovations in eco-friendly packaging and distribution

· Crafting a sustainable serve

· Challenges and opportunities for drinks brands in adopting sustainable practices

· The role of sustainability in brand storytelling and consumer engagement

· How not to get discouraged: Determining a clear direction and long-term strategy

And much, much more! The panel was hosted by the talented eco-warrior Stephanie Jordan, creator and professional powerhouse behind Drinking Out Loud – the luxury wine and spirits consultancy, and Co-Founder of Avallen Spirits and Ron Bachué.

OUR PANEL OF SPEAKERS INCLUDeD:

Stephanie Jordan - Creator of Drinking Out Loud and Co-Founder of Avallen Spirits
Our dynamic co-host, Stephanie is a force to be reckoned with in the drinks industry. The creative brains behind Drinking Out Loud consultancy, she ignites passion and purpose in premium brands, showcasing her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Not stopping there, she's one of the visionaries behind Avallen Spirits, with an aim to be the world's most planet-positive spirit. With charisma that's unmatched, she brings an electric energy to the panel, inspiring brands to walk the talk in sustainability.

Caroline Bates - Founding Partner of Citizen Good
The powerhouse behind Citizen Good, Caroline is a sustainability crusader on a mission to transform the food and drink industry. Empowering brands of all sizes to not just meet but exceed their sustainability targets, driving meaningful change from grassroots to global. Her vision and dedication make her a driving force in the fight for a greener, more responsible world.

Gemma & Russ Wakeham - Founders of Two Drifters Rum
The visionary duo behind Two Drifters Rum, Gemma & Russ epitomise innovation and sustainability in the drinks industry. They’re not just crafting exceptional rum, but pioneering a new era of eco-conscious distilling. Russ's expertise in carbon capture and a PhD in organic chemistry, combined with Gemma's background in sales, marketing and brand narrative, complement each other perfectly, creating an all-star team dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the planet.

Iain McPherson - Sales Director for EMEA at ecoSPIRITS
A passionate advocate for the circular economy and decarbonisation, Iain brings extensive experience in distribution operations and brand management to the table. His insights into embracing eco-friendly practices and leveraging closed-loop solutions at ecoSPIRITS, empower drinks brands both large and small to drive positive impact while achieving commercial success. With his expertise, the future of sustainability in the drinks industry looks brighter than ever.

We had a WONDERful time! In case you missed it, catch the recording below:

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