15 September 2023
Diam Bouchage, global leader in technological corking solutions, through publication of the Oeneo Group’s Extra-Financial Performance Report this summer, officially outlined its sustainability commitments and environmental results for 2022.
As far back as 2009, Diam Bouchage implemented its environmental policy, perfectly integrated across all of its industrial sites – all ISO 14001 certified today. This policy included a commitment by the firm to continuously improve the performance of its production plans whilst respecting four key priorities:
1. Controlled use of its energy, raw materials and, consequently, its carbon footprint.
2. Integration into a circular economy strategy with the recycling of cork derivatives and waste.
3. Controlled industrial risks and risks of its technical infrastructure.
4. Development of more environmentally friendly products with eco-design measures implemented throughout their lifecycle.
For 2022, DIAM Bouchage had a total carbon footprint of 67,720 tons CO2e. Despite a significant increase in production, the company recorded a 2% drop compared to 2019, thanks to controlling emissions directly related to its commercial activities (scopes 1 & 2).
In mid-2021, Diam Bouchage made a commitment on an ambitious trajectory involving a 15% reduction of its carbon footprint by 2025. In order to hit this target, it will be necessary to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 55% as well as control Scope 3 emissions (notably Raw Materials and Freight).
Amongst the significant commitments implemented by company management, of particular note are those which will not only have a solid impact on the carbon footprint of Diam Bouchage in the coming years, but also those which involve a real change in corporate culture.
“The cork we work with each, and every day is a noble and natural resource… and we are well aware of the importance of protecting our wonderful planet. The desire to work for the future, beyond respect of regulations, lies at the forefront of each development”, Dominique Tourneix, Diam Bouchage Managing Director
Revitalization of cork-oak forests is one of the pillars underpinning the initiatives adopted by Diam Bouchage. Between 2020 and 2021, the firm subsidized the plantation of 5,934 cork oak trees in Provence (A host of other plantations are currently under preparation in France and in Spain). After several months of waiting, lengthy discussions, technical exchanges, and forms to be completed, in late 2022 one of the planted areas received the Low Carbon Certification in France for “regeneration of damaged cork-oak forests”. This was a first for a local plantation 100% made up of cork-oaks and which had never previously been certified in the past!
“Today the forest lies at the heart of social and environmental discussion. As a stakeholder operating in this ecosystem, Diam Bouchage has ensured that the forest is at the forefront of its CSR commitments and is striving to go even further, leading by example with its carbon footprint reduction through project innovation and certification”, Fabien Nguyen, Cork buyer at Diam Bouchage.
Another key lever implemented by the company to help reduce its carbon impact is the improvement in emissions created by its road transportation and shipments. In order to roll-out its action plan in this area, Diam Bouchage made a commitment towards the FRET21 mechanism based on reduction of distances travelled, optimization of loading rates and the choice of the lowest emitting transportation methods. The project plan submitted on July 20th to the Validation Committee was a clear outline of Diam Bouchage’s target to reduce by at least 5% its greenhouse gas emissions from freight activities over the coming three years.
“As freight represents around 10% of our total emissions, we quite naturally wanted to determine the most pertinent initiatives to reduce our emissions from freight activities between our sites and in deliveries to clients. Having a reliable and standardized tool, as well as evaluating the impact of our projects and initiatives was essential. The FRET21 mechanism has allowed us this framework”, Caroline Forgue, CSR Director at Diam Bouchage
As part of its large-scale energy management project, Diam Bouchage has also made a significant investment in heat recovery from the cork cleaning units on its Spanish site. Since last June, the savings recorded now represent 60% of its total gas use and are expected to reach 100% after a second phase of works scheduled for the end of the year. Moreover, the company has also initiated several solar panel installation projects. The construction of solar canopies will also be completed in the coming months across the car park of its French site and a large-scale solar farm in Spain is currently pending approval.
The 740 employees at Diam Bouchage are regularly informed of environmental challenges. In 2022, a significant project including meetings and participative workshops was rolled out for the European Week for Waste Reduction. This year, the company set the target of involving all members of staff in the Climate Fresk.
“Here at Diam Bouchage, we harbour the desire to develop a shared culture by all employees to understand the world of wine and be aware of the climate change challenges. The Climate Fresco is an effective tool to be aware of the cause and effect of climate change and, in particular, the need to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions”. Dominique Tourneix
Each day, Diam Bouchage is ever-more committed towards sustainability and societal responsibility. The increase in sales of our organically sourced corks Origine by Diam and regeneration of the cork sector in France are perfect illustrations of this. This twin focus on environmental and societal responsibility was rewarded in 2022 with the EcoVadis Gold Medal, one of the most exacting CSR rating bodies internationally.