SWR Joins the first Sustainability in Drinks conference in London

Last week, SWR had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Sustainability in Drinks (SID) conference and exhibition in London. This two-day event marked a significant moment for the UK drinks industry, uniting a diverse array of professionals—including producers, suppliers, buyers, journalists, and advisors—all dedicated to advancing sustainability. 

A highlight of the conference was “The Great Packaging Debate” panel, one of the event’s most attended sessions. SWR’s Research Director, Dr. Peter Stanbury, joined fellow presenters from SWR member companies, including Laura Catena (Catena Institute of Wine), Robin Thompson (Encirc), and Marta Mendonça (Porto Protocol), to discuss sustainable packaging options for the industry. The panel tackled the pressing question: What are the best options for packaging wine, and who decides? 

The discussion focused on research comparing various packaging options and their roles in decarbonizing the wine industry. Dr. Stanbury emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives, such as the SWR Bottle Weight Accord, in creating unified action to make meaningful strides in reducing carbon emissions from packaging and transport. 

We extend our thanks to the team at Sustainability in Drinks for organizing such an informative, collaborative, and inspiring event. 

For more details on the Bottle Weight Accord and other SWR initiatives, click here.