Blandy's / Sustainability
Sustainability
Report
The Madeira Wine industry over hundreds of years has always played an important role on the island and we are very fortunate to be part of that history. As a family business with over more than 210 years of experience, we are always looking at ways to ensure that the business is passed on the next generation in the best state possible. In recent times, we have had to become much more aware of the rapid changes required to defend the sustainability of the business and to safeguard the social, environmental and economic impact that this industry has on the island. We have a commitment to work with all of our stakeholders to protect the future of this unique wine.
Certificates
B Corp Certified
The journey started in March 2020 and as from December 2022, our company is B Corp certified. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It’s allowed us to measure everything and make the necessary changes to align with our view on the future.
Being a generational family business and part of the B Corp movement allows us to work towards leaving the company, its stakeholders and the planet in a better place for the next generation.
Environment-related
Certificates
Quality Control Certificates
To meet customer needs and comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, the company commits to consistently delivering high-quality products and services. This commitment is achieved through an effective system designed to enhance customer satisfaction. By implementing robust processes for continuous improvement, the company ensures compliance with customer expectations and applicable regulations. This system emphasizes quality, accountability, and adaptability, providing a framework for ongoing enhancement. By prioritizing these values, the company strives to exceed expectations, foster trust, and achieve long-term success while upholding regulatory standards and ensuring the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
British Retail Consortium - AA+
People &
Community
We have created specific HR programs for our staff at the company, that include programs on health and wellness and health risk assessment, life skills training for staff and their families, sponsored programs for continued educational credentials and external professional development opportunities. We also provide financial support to those members of staff whose children attend University. Members of the company also work on individual social projects in the less favoured communities around the island.
Through the Blandy Group, we have also developed the Blandy Academic Scholarships that are accessible to those students at the University of Madeira (UMa) who have financial difficulties and high academic performance.
Every year the group donates to a list of charitable associations, that can be found https://www.blandy.com/en/
ASAS – Ajuda Solidária Ambiental e Social
Through our social and environmental program ASAS, the Company has a 3-year plan to develop our presence on our island through environmental and social programs.
Viticulture
From 2005 onwards, the island started to show a significant decrease in the production of white grape varieties in parallel with a growing demand for Madeira wine and Madeiran table wines. This slip in production was compounded by the combination of an ageing community of grape growers with the exodus of the younger population moving to the city.
Therefore, with an immediate need to guarantee minimum quantities to replenish stocks and reduce insecurities in viticulture, in 2007, the Madeira Wine Company created a viticulture team and began the journey of managing its own vineyards – the first being at Quinta de Santa Luzia, a property owned by Andrew Blandy.
Having initially planted Malvasia, Bual, Sercial and Terrantez, we have narrowed the varieties down to Bual (the heavyweight at this location), Verdelho and Terrantez, as these are the ones that yield the most.
During the symbolic year of 2011 when the Blandy group celebrated its 200 year anniversary, the company decided it was time for the creation of a specific entity that would be responsible for and focused on the growing activity of MWC’s own grape production.
The importance of continuity at strategic vineyards across the island where the growers were unable to guarantee management due to advanced age had become paramount. And so 7G was born – aptly named as it timed with the 7th generation of family members stepping up toward leadership at Blandy’s.
In 2013, 7G began operating at Quinta de São Jorge (also known as Quinta do Bispo) on the north coast of the island in the municipality of Santana, where it planted a vineyard of 4,2 hectares from scratch, with the following grape proportions; 70% Malvasia, 15% Sercial and 15% Verdelho.
Since then, the company’s activity has been continuously growing, with a large presence mainly in the south-west of the island; in the parishes of Calheta, Fajã de Ovelha and Ponta do Pargo, as well as in the municipality of Santana.
Today the company manages 7 hectares of vineyards, and is subsequently helping to preserve and secure Madeira’s viticultural heritage whilst supporting the rural communities in their struggle to maintain their traditions and pass on their knowledge – treasured knowledge accumulated by generations of commitment to their family vineyard plots.
Environmental
Sustainability
We believe that small changes have a positive impact on preserving our planet and reducing our ecological footprint. Our environmental commitment aims to promote a culture of sustainability in all stages of our operations, from grape cultivation to wine production.
Changes over the years:
- We implement 100% ground cover in our vineyards, a technique that helps prevent erosion, improve nutrient retention, and capture carbon in the soil.
- Since 2021, we have been measuring the impact of our sustainable farming practices and have found that they help retain approximately 9 tCO₂e per year through ground cover.
- The biomass of the vines naturally sequesters carbon, contributing to climate resilience. Carbon sequestration through photosynthesis in our vineyards has increased from 16 tCO₂e in 2021 to 21 tCO₂e in 2023, reflecting the growing productivity of the vines.
- 7G’s agricultural emissions have decreased by 16% due to the adoption of more sustainable practices.
- In 2014, we initiated the installation of 440 solar panels capable of producing 55,000 kWh of electricity resulting in an annual electricity reduction of 28%.
- We added 2 new solar water heating systems for use in equipment cleaning and team showers.
- We implemented a system to monitor our internal carbon footprint and regularly seek ways to improve our efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint
- From a green mobility perspective, we are gradually transitioning company vehicles with hybrid or electric cars
- We replaced all disposable plastics (such as coffee cups, water bottles, etc.) with sustainable alternatives.
- In 2020, we decided to change the bottle type for all our 3-year wines to a bottle that is 35% lighter. In a normal year, the total weight reduction would be approximately 61,180 kg.
- We replaced our traditional plastic T-Top cork with a wooden T-Top cork made from sustainably sourced wood.
- In 2022, we achieved B-Corp certification, reflecting high standards of environmental and social performance, with transparency and responsibility.
- In 2023, we obtained ISO14064 certification for the 2021 Carbon Footprint Report.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact Reduction Actions to be Developed in the Next 3 Years:
- Annually certify the company’s Carbon Footprint report with ISO14064 certification.
- Become a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) group.
- Reduce the amount of CO2 produced per liter of wine sold.
- Decrease the amount of water consumption per liter of wine sold.
- Increase the installed capacity of photovoltaic energy production.
- Ramp up the proportion of renewable energy consumption.
- Enhance energy efficiency by replacing obsolete equipment in the production area.
- Invest in the study of calculating CO2 capture from planted areas (including vineyards and other types of plantations) to determine MWC’s contribution to offsetting the impact of greenhouse gas emissions
- Replace current lighting with LED in the Production Cellars.
- Substitute the current cold and heat production system for greater energy efficiency.
- Implement compensation projects.
- Promote awareness among employees on sustainability-related topics.
- Increase recycling of segregated waste.
- Encourage commitment from suppliers throughout the value chain.
- Reduce the weight of bottles in other wine categories.
Resource Management
Water
Monitor monthly water consumption to identify and rectify waste. Promote efficient and sustainable water use through technology investment and water reuse. Quarterly, water quality is assessed via external laboratory analyses.
Energy
Monitor monthly electricity and fossil fuel consumption to identify and rectify waste and usage issues. Promote energy efficiency including the increasing use of renewable energy (photovoltaic energy production) and investing in efficient technologies.
Waste Management
Monthly waste segregation monitoring to address potential recycling and valorization issues. Promote source waste reduction, by using more efficient packaging and sustainable production practices. Separate and valorize waste, incorporating composting practices.
Effluents
We conduct quarterly monitoring of the quality of the wastewater generated through external laboratory analyses.
Materials
Encourage the reduce of paper, plastic, and chemical usage by promoting sustainable alternatives. Use of lighter glass bottles to cut transportation-related carbon footprints while maintaining quality and safety standards. Monitor the market for viable, lighter, and sustainable packaging alternatives.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint 2023
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we continuously monitor our carbon footprint to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. Our emissions inventory was prepared in accordance with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1:2018 standard.
Total emissions: 2,040 tCO₂e, representing a 5% reduction compared to 2022 (2,149 tCO₂e).
Scope 1 emissions: Increase of 2% (132 tCO₂e) due to stationary combustion and biogenic fermentation.
Scope 2 emissions: Increase of 10% (163 tCO₂e) due to higher electricity consumption and significant reliance on the local energy grid, partially offset by the use of solar energy (30% of total energy needs).
Scope 3 emissions: Reduction of 7% (1,744 tCO₂e) thanks to supply chain optimisation.
Efficiency Indicators
Emissions per litre of vinified wine: Reduced by 3% to 2.08 kgCO₂e/L.
Emissions per litre of bottled wine: Increased by 15% to 3.07 kgCO₂e/L, due to lower production levels.
Biodiversity Promotion and Environmental Awareness
- We promote biodiversity conservation in our vineyards through sustainable practices, native habitat restoration, and environmental awareness. Our approach includes sustainable vineyard management, removing herbicides, minimizing synthetic fertilizers, and encouraging vegetation between vine rows. Furthermore, we aim to preserve native vegetation areas by restoring habitats and providing shelter for indigenous species. Our initiatives to raise environmental awareness among employees and the community consist of the following actions:
- Tree Day Awareness Action (21st March): Included a talk on the importance of forests and a hands-on activity where all Blandy Group employees received and cared for strawberry plants. 2) Promotional Campaign “1 Bottle = 1 Tree”: This initiative was aimed at our customers and resulted in 127 trees that will be planted this year in partnership with IFCN-Madeira, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation.