EWGA Wines, based in Lancashire, has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability by earning the ISO 14001 certification. This recognition places EWGA among an elite group of UK wine companies that have adopted rigorous environmental management standards, underscoring its dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting greener business practices.
ISO 14001 certification is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS), providing a framework for continuous improvement in environmental performance. For EWGA Wines, this certification marks an important step in a journey focused on integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations.
"We’re incredibly proud to have secured the ISO 14001 certification," says Adrian Moeckell, Managing Director of EWGA Wines. "It reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and aligns with our core values of minimizing waste, conserving resources, and reducing emissions. This certification isn't just a win for us as a company—it's a win for the environment and our community."
EWGA Wines has been steadily building its reputation as a leader in sustainability within the wine industry. The company’s initiatives are wide-ranging and impactful, from renewable energy adoption to eco-friendly transport solutions.
In 2023, the company installed solar panels at its Lancashire headquarters, harnessing renewable energy to power its operations. This commitment to clean energy is part of a larger strategy to minimize EWGA’s carbon footprint and work toward a more sustainable future. By utilizing solar power, the company ensures its energy needs are met in an environmentally responsible way.
Furthering its eco-friendly credentials, EWGA Wines has transitioned its entire sales fleet to EVs. This shift is another clear indicator of the company’s resolve to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut emissions.
EWGA’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations. The company actively collaborates with wine producers who share its environmental goals. These partnerships ensure that the wines EWGA imports and distributes are produced using responsible, sustainable practices. Many of the company’s major partners are certified by national environmental bodies, supporting EWGA’s goal of promoting sustainable viticulture.
Furthermore, EWGA is a member of the SME Climate Hub and Harper’s Sustainability Charter. These affiliations reflect the company’s broader commitment to industry-wide sustainability and emphasize its role as a leader in responsible business practices.
EWGA Wines has partnered with local experts throughout its certification journey to ensure its environmental practices are top-notch. HSE Advice UK, a Lancashire-based consultancy specializing in health, safety, and environmental compliance, played a key role in helping the company align its operations with the rigorous ISO 14001 standard.
"Working with HSE Advice UK highlights our commitment to sustainability and supporting the local economy. We believe in fostering strong community ties while taking meaningful steps toward environmental responsibility," says Moeckell.
EWGA Wines’ achievement of the ISO 14001 certification represents just one chapter in its broader sustainability story. The company remains focused on continuously evaluating and improving its environmental efforts, ensuring that every aspect of its business reflects a commitment to sustainability.
From reducing packaging waste by eliminating plastic in its courier materials to utilizing sea freight and flexitanks to minimize the environmental impact of transporting wine, EWGA is consistently working to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts align with the company’s belief that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility, and every step—no matter how small—makes a difference.
“We’re driven by the idea that businesses have a responsibility to lead by example when it comes to sustainability,” adds Moeckell. “Our ISO 14001 certification is a testament to our efforts, but it’s also a call to action for us to keep pushing forward, innovating, and finding new ways to reduce our environmental impact.”
