At Perspektiv, we are committed to helping organisations understand the intricate environmental aspects of their products and industries. Recently, we conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on an Australian wine product. The results were not just enlightening but also underscored the need for sustainable practices in the wine industry.
Wine and Its Environmental Impact
Our LCA study revealed some startling insights about the environmental impact of every glass of wine consumed. Here are the key findings:
Climate Change Impact: Surprisingly, the climate change impact of each glass of wine is equivalent to burning two-thirds of a glass of diesel. This highlights the significant carbon footprint associated with wine production and end-of-life processes (excluding consumption and retail phases).
Water Usage: Throughout the wine supply chain, a staggering 267 litres of Australian water are consumed for each bottle of wine. Emphasising the importance of efficient water management, relating to vineyard activities, in particular.
Agricultural Land Use: Wine production requires the equivalent of 1.2 square metres of agricultural land for each bottle. Land which could otherwise be utilised for cultivating annual crops like wheat.
Air Pollution: The annual production of wine contributes as much to air pollution with particulates as a large fully laden truck circling inside a city for four and a half years. This brings the attention to and assesses the impact of airborne particulate matter on human health.
Biodiversity Impact: The wine industry's annual production has a biodiversity impact equivalent to the habitat destruction caused by clearing 13 hectares of primary forest.
At Perspektiv, we are dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of Life Cycle Assessments and Carbon Footprinting. We believe that informed decisions, guided by data and insights, are essential for a better, more sustainable future. If you're interested in understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of your products, we're here to assist you every step of the way.