Jackson Family Wines is at the forefront of many sustainability efforts as one of the world’s largest wine companies, with >40 wineries. Though they have made significant efforts in renewable energy, climate change, and social impact; they have also done a lot with waste prevention and green purchasing. Katie Jackson, a 2nd generation family member, leads these efforts to become more sustainable and describes some of the major programs they’ve undertaken. Detailed Show Notes: Intro from Anna Brittain of Napa Green Only 30% of glass is recycled, and 30-50% of emissions are from packaging and distributionKatie’s background - 2nd generation, worked in multiple departments but joined the sustainability team in 2011 after it was founded in 2008JFW backgroundFounded in 1982 as Kendall JacksonInvested in high-quality vineyards across the stateFounded Cambria (1986) and Stonestreet (1989), now >40 wineries (mostly CA, 3 Oregon, Chile, South Africa, France, Italy, & 2 in Australia)Broad sustainability programs with four current focus areas: Social impact, including DEI - has an internal team called “idea alliance” to develop new ways to improve diversityCarbon/climate change - most difficult goals - 50% reduction by 2030, climate positive by 2050Farming/regenerative farmingWater management2015 - publicly released a comprehensive plan w/ 11 different focus areas, including Zero Waste and getting more growers to be sustainableSustainability investments and ROIInvested $18.5M since 2015Biggest spend in renewable energy (primarily solar - powers ~30% of winemaking needs, installing a new wind turbine which will generate ~5% of needs)Generated $19.5M in savings and gov’t grantsLightweighting of glass has saved $1M/year in glass and ~$500k/year in transportationSolar initially had a 6-year paybackNo set corporate threshold for sustainability investment ROISustainability teamTwo full-time staff~80 people in 9 working groups volunteer ~3-4 hrs/month to work on sustainability initiativesGreen purchasing - developed preferred purchasing plan, looking at more environmentally friendly materialsE.g., the sales team is looking at biodegradable POS neckers made w/ seedsWaste prevention - critical for climate change goals, focused more on wineries currentlyAchieved <2% to landfill at wineries; the rest recycled and compostedMostly organic materials  (e.g., composting)Sister company - Whole Vine - turns waste into nutrient-dense Chardonnay marc that is used for chocolate barsHave not yet gotten certified Zero Waste due to cost, instead investing in other areasWater conservation - since 2008, reduced water intensity/bottle by 43%Created the “Water Wise Winery Award” competition to conserve water (2016)Recycled water in cooling towersInstalled rainwater capture systems, 1st at Carneros Winery - 60% of water usage from systemSpreading sustainability practicesThe sustainability team helps spread the wordAnnual Winegrowing Summit also shares best practices in productionConsumers showing interest and support for sustainable certificationsLuxury brands benefit from higher margins for investmentMass market brands have the scale to innovate Get access to library episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.