What we do

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Invest in Impact

Investing in SWR’s action areas empowers your organisation to align its sustainability goals with industry-wide initiatives, delivering tangible impact on the issues that matter most to your business. Our action areas are shaped by the needs of our members, ensuring that your investment supports both your internal objectives and drives broader systemic change across the wine sector.

The SWR Wine List

The Wine List serves as your guide to engaging with these action areas. It helps members tailor their involvement to align with their sustainability priorities and highlights opportunities to support impactful initiatives. From lightweight packaging to labour standards and sustainable viticulture, each action area reflects the collective needs of our members and the industry, offering practical solutions and meaningful change at a fraction of the cost of working independently or with consultancies.

Explore the Wine List

Gain Authoritative Evidence

Enhance credibility with data-driven insights and reports that position you as a sustainability leader.

Cost Saving Through Collaboration

Reduce costs by collaborating on joint sustainability projects and sharing best practices across the industry.

Ensure Compliance and Reduce Liabilities

Navigate evolving regulations confidently, ensuring compliance and protecting your business from legal risks and liabilities.

Build Credibility with Retailers and Buyers

Demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability by participating in transparent, results-driven, and independently verified initiatives

Shared Basis for Action

Leverage shared data to align sustainability strategies and amplify industry-wide impact

Ensure Reliable Delivery

Gain confidence on implementing your sustainability commitments with SWR’s proactive solutions and support.

Explore our action areas