Bordeaux-based wine producer, Tutiac, launches “Help Protect the Ocean” project with innovative cork made from Ocean Bound Plastic. The cork, alongside the sustainable bottles used to contain the wine, are revolutionary for the more traditional wine sector and could inspire other wine brands to follow suit.
Help Protect the Ocean
French wine producer Tutiac has launched a “Help Protect the Ocean” project with a selection of Ocean Tutiac cuvées being introduced into the UK in Sainsbury’s this month.
The initiative sees the Bordeaux co-operative launch two wines, each with a unique cork developed with Nomacorc, 69% of which is made from ‘Ocean Bound Plastic’ collected by associations supervised by the NGO Zero Plastic Oceans*. Each cork corresponds to the equivalent of one plastic bag collected (8g) and the whole process is certified ISCC+.
The initial shipment of 200,000 bottles, destined for the UK market, is set to collect nearly two tons of plastic. And this is just the beginning, as this label expands in the UK and globally, that amount is set to increase rapidly.
Eco-Design Approach to Wine
Alongside the cork, Tutiac has developed a complete eco-design approach, incorporating lightweight bottles, capsules made from bio-based polyamines produced from sugar cane and printed with water-based ink, and labels made from recycled paper produced, in France, from 100% recycled fibres. A new announcement is expected shortly regarding the weight of the bottles.
The project is initially launching in the UK with the Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc available in Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Stéphane Héraud, President of the Tutiac Winegrowers, commented: “As a group of over 500 growers, at Tutiac we take our commitment to sustainable viticulture very seriously.
“Throughout our 5,400ha of vineyards, we constantly look to improve, whether it’s through good daily practices or larger initiatives such as ‘Help Protect the Ocean’. We can’t wait to see the impact of this campaign, both in the UK and as it develops internationally.”
The Future of Sustainable Wines
Tutiac’s innovation may pave the way for other wine brands. There is already a big focus on sustainability within wine production with many winemakers looking to innovate and reduce their environmental impact. From organic and biodynamic farming methods to the reduction of water usage, introduction of renewable energy and eco-friendly packaging, there are plenty of ways that this industry are trying to advance sustainability.
