Creating a more sustainable supply chain legacy within the wine industry

In an era where a sustainable supply chain is not just a choice but a necessity, this independent, family-owned wine and spirits importer stands out for its commitment to greener operations. Established in 1980, Lanchester Wines has grown to become a prominent UK wine importer and distributor, offering an impressive portfolio of over 3,000 product lines. From premium ranges to award-winning house wines, they cater to a diverse consumer market while striving to minimise their environmental impact. Their partnership with us, Hillebrand Gori, has been instrumental in achieving a lower carbon footprint for their freight transport.

A commitment to a sustainable supply chain

Lanchester Wines’s journey towards a sustainable supply chain is underpinned by its significant investments in renewable energy. Over £13 million has been allocated to renewable energy and heat generation for their offices and warehouses. This substantial investment demonstrates their commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral business, powered predominantly by wind and solar energy. These efforts have not only reduced their carbon footprint but also set a benchmark in the alcoholic beverage industry for sustainable practices.

Hillebrand Gori: A crucial partner in sustainable logistics

Since 2005, Lanchester Wines has partnered with Hillebrand Gori for the shipment of bottled wine from Chile. Recognizing the value of this partnership, they expanded their collaboration in 2012 to include the importation of bulk wine from new world producers. This strategic move into at-destination bottling has enabled them to enhance their portfolio, adding personalised services such as custom labels and new packaging formats.

Lesley commented “The Hillebrand Gori team has strong relationships with shipping lines and is proactive to customer needs, which, in our view, makes them a dependable logistics partner. They’ve an unrivalled knowledge of the way in which beverages need to be transported too”.  

Our expertise in alcoholic beverage transportation in bottle and bulk coupled with Lanchester Wines' strategic vision, has led to a successful partnership.  Our flexitanks:

• Are specifically made to carry wine
• Include a protective barrier layer for preserving product quality during transit
• Are more efficient cost transportation per liter
• Made from recyclable material

Reducing CO2e emissions and supporting a circular economy

One of the significant environmental benefits of this partnership is the reduction in transport-related CO2 emissions. By utilising northeastern ports, Lanchester Wines says they have significantly reduced their in-land carbon footprint compared to using southern ports. This strategic choice aligns with their broader environmental goals and highlights their dedication to lowering their carbon footprint.

Moreover, our commitment to sustainability is evident in our flexitank recycling practices. “100% of the flexitanks we use are mechanically recycled” Lesley explains. 

This supports Hillebrand Gori’s circular economy approach, where what we manufacture can be reused and repurposed to reduce waste. Lanchester Wines take their UK bottled wine a step further on the path to creating a sustainable supply chain, by incorporating lightweight bottles to reduce their use of glass. This not only decreases the raw materials they use but also lowers transportation emissions due to their reduced payload weight.

Preserving wine quality and being environmentally responsible

The synergy between Lanchester Wines and Hillebrand Gori goes beyond logistics. We share values and a commitment to sustainability. Our research and innovative logistics solutions have aided Lanchester Wines in maintaining wine quality while improving its environmental credentials.

When asked about their relationship with us, Lesley commented “The research they do on how to preserve the quality of wine whilst in storage and in transit informs the development of their flexitanks, which is why we trust them with our wines”.

Looking forward: a sustainable supply chain future

Lanchester Wines’s partnership with us represents a forward-thinking approach to international wine transportation. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, from energy use to logistics, Lanchester Wines is demonstrating how to create a more sustainable future in the wine and spirits industry. Strategic partnerships and a commitment to environmental responsibility can make a positive impact on the planet. 

As they continue to invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices, Lanchester Wines is not only reducing their carbon footprint but also inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Hillebrand Gori; your journey, is our journey.