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Company Name - Virgin Wines
WEBSITE

Business

Online drinks retailer

Sustainability pathways
Carbon footprint, Staff welfare & progression, Use of renewables, Waste management & recycling, Packaging, Diversity & inclusivity, Community focused activities
ACTIONS AND GOALS

Carbon footprint

A major focus for us is reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud to have a near-term SME science-based target approved by SBTi (Science Based Target initiative). Our commitment is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 (from a 2021 baseline), while also tackling Scope 3 emissions.

Having previously been verified carbon neutral under PAS 2060 for three years, we made the decision to step away from offsetting and carbon neutrality in 2025. Instead, we’re redirecting effort and investment into real, measurable reductions – because lasting change matters more than labels.

Our emissions continue to be independently audited under the ISO 14064-1 standard, ensuring transparency and accountability through extensive emissions reporting and external verification.

Renewables

Currently 2 out of 3 locations are on renewable energy tariffs, we are exploring moving to 100% renewable energy, including the use of self-sufficient power such as solar panels which should happen in 2027.

Waste management & recycling

We have rigorous recycling practices taking place across our sites in Bolton, Norwich and Preston. 0% of our warehouse waste goes to landfill, with 284.50 tonnes recycled or sent to an energy recovery facility (using waste to generate electricity and heat) in 2025.

Packaging

In recent years, we ditched our bright red delivery boxes and replaced them with new designs made from 100% recycled materials. They also use over 70% less ink than our previous packaging.

Staff welfare & progression

We provide a fully funded Employee Assistance Programme, giving staff free access to counselling and other valuable services that offer help and support for personal and workplace matters.

We offer internal training and fund external courses relevant to career development, including Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications for all employees.

The cherry on top? We like to ensure a healthy work-life balance. We regularly host feel-good events throughout the year – from summer socials and vineyard tours to charity fundraisers and wellbeing initiatives, including walking challenges and run clubs. We also reward long service with additional annual leave days.

Diversity and Inclusion

We run regular awareness courses that open up conversations on a range of important topics, from period poverty and menopause to LGBTQ+ awareness. We also have a robust D&I policy in place.

Community

Our Community Purpose Programme focuses on making a real difference, both in the UK and internationally. Our four core charity partners reflect the causes closest to our hearts.

Bright Start

An education centre in Cape Town helping children from deprived communities. For a small charity like Bright Start, every bit of funding goes a long way. So, in 2025, we established an annual donation to them based on our South African wine volumes that year (equivalent to around 2p per bottle sourced at the time).

While our range and volumes may change year to year, our commitment does not. We continue to honour that original annual donation amount, ensuring consistent, reliable funding for Bright Start’s ongoing work.

HOPE After Suicide Loss

Chosen by our Norwich team, HOPE supports people bereaved by suicide in Norfolk and Suffolk. We contribute through corporate donations and staff-led fundraising events.

Growing Well

A specialist mental health charity near our Bolton and Preston sites, supporting recovery through outdoor activity in Cumbrian market gardens. We provide annual corporate funding.

The Drinks Trust

The UK’s primary drinks trade charity, supporting drinks and hospitality workers who are facing hardship. We’re proud to give back to the charity that does so much for our industry.

Looking ahead, what are the longer-term company goals?

We are looking to refresh our three-year strategy, engage in some biodiversity or other vineyard level products, and continue to reduce our carbon footprint.

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