About
Wine bottles contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of the wine industry, not just because of their weight but also due to the miles they travel from production to disposal. For instance, approximately 70% of wine bottles used in the USA are manufactured in China.
SWR is developing the Bottle Miles Calculator to address this issue, creating a comprehensive tool to assess the carbon impact of wine bottles at each stage of their lifecycle. By gathering primary data and developing emissions factors, SWR will offer a decision-making tool that helps companies optimise their logistics, make more sustainable sourcing decisions, and engage in meaningful conversations with suppliers about reducing the carbon footprint of their bottle choices.
Why it matters
While the carbon impact of manufacturing glass is well-documented, there is less transparency around the emissions from transporting bottles and their disposal. Given that a large percentage of wine bottles used in regions like the USA are produced far from their point of use, understanding the full scope of “bottle miles” is essential for driving emissions reductions. With increasing pressure from regulatory bodies and a growing focus on Scope 3 emissions, it is critical that the wine industry has accurate data to guide sustainable logistics and sourcing choices.
Our goal
This project aims to equip members with an actionable, evidence-based tool to map the carbon emissions of wine bottles across their entire lifecycle. By offering detailed insights into key stages—such as raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal—this tool will empower companies to make informed decisions that reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging and logistics. The ultimate goal is to help the wine industry adopt smarter, lower-carbon practices while staying ahead of evolving environmental regulations.
Our approach
- Emissions Mapping: We will comprehensively map the carbon emissions across each stage of the wine bottle lifecycle, from raw material extraction to final consumer disposal.
Development of - Emissions Factors: Using collected primary data and insights from analogous supply chains, we will develop credible emissions factors for each stage of the lifecycle, including bottle manufacturing and transportation.
- Decision-Support Tool: We will develop a practical tool that allows companies to assess the carbon impact of various bottle sourcing and logistics scenarios, enabling them to optimise their supply chains for lower carbon emissions.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: We will work closely with SWR members, industry experts, and stakeholders to ensure the tool meets the needs of the wine industry and addresses the practical challenges of reducing carbon emissions.
Benefits to supporters
Access a practical tool
for making informed decisions on bottle sourcing and logistics, reducing the carbon footprint of your wine production.
Ensure compliance
with evolving environmental regulations by quantifying and reducing Scope 3 emissions, including those related to logistics and transportation.
Exclusive Insights and priority access
to emissions data and the Bottle Miles Decision Tool
Collaborate and network
with other members facing similar logistics challenges, raising collective bargaining power.
Looking ahead
The Bottle Miles Calculator is set to be rolled out in two phases. In the first phase, SWR will gather and analyse emissions data across the bottle’s lifecycle, identifying key stages where emissions can be reduced and providing initial insights to our members. This will be followed by the development of the Bottle Miles Decision Tool, which will offer an interface for companies to compare and optimise their logistics and sourcing strategies based on carbon impact. Our goal is to present initial findings by January 2025, with the full tool launching later in the year.
Take action
Interested in taking part? Learn more about our work on packaging and join us today by contacting info@swroundtable.org.
