MARTINI® Energized By Hydropower From The Italian Alps
Mountain streams help drive production of the brand's vermouths and sparkling wines
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- From the breathtaking magnificence of the Northern Italian Alps comes pure power – hydroelectric power – that helps drive sustainable production of the world-favorite MARTINI vermouths and sparkling wines.
"Hydropower – the production of electrical power through the use of falling or flowing water – is one of the cleanest ways to produce electricity without significant impact to the environment," says Fulvio Baratella, MARTINI Technical Service Manager, in charge of environmental engineering at the MARTINI facility.
In the village of Pessione, just outside Turin, Italy, the largest MARTINI facility in the world has been in operation for more than 150 years. Since 2010, almost all of the electricity consumed at the facility comes from renewable sources, including hydropower. "With the use of renewable energy, we have cut CO2 emissions for the brand by almost a third, equivalent to removing 700 cars from the highway," explains Giorgio Castagnotti, MARTINI Operations Director, responsible for all operations at the Pessione site. "In addition to the more than 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, MARTINI has cut its water use by four percent since 2006."
Here's how the hydroelectricity is generated: Water from the mountain streams in the nearby Alps flows into rivers winding through Italy's Aosta valley. Gruppo CVA, a leading producer of hydropower in Italy, uses hydraulic turbines to convert the water flow into hydroelectric energy for MARTINI production.
However, the process does not stop there. "Once the water passes through the plant, generating clean energy, it continues flowing down toward the valley. The water continuously moves through a series of hydroelectric facilities downstream. They all use the same process over and over to generate energy," explains Alberto Sartori, Commercial Director of CVA Trading.
The CVA facility, originally built in 1921, was established with conservation top-of-mind. CVA wanted to ensure its water sensitive facility didn't use chemical-based paints so it designed an interior adorned with hand-stenciled graphite and cobalt shields instead of paint. The building also rests within a designated sanctuary that offers protection to wildlife in harsh winter months.
MARTINI, as part of the Bacardi family of brands, maintains an enduring commitment to sustainability. Since 2006, when the Company began tracking its global impact on the environment, Bacardi has reduced nonrenewable energy use by 27.7 percent and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by 28.5 percent. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited "Good Spirited" sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help the Company reach its vision of a net zero impact:
- Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40 percent of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100 percent by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
- Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10 percent and achieve 15 percent by 2022.
- Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55 percent and GHG emissions by 50 percent. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.
To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its "Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future" environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.
About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally-recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDI® rum, the world's best-selling and most-awarded rum, as well as the world's most-awarded spirit; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world's leading super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world's most-awarded blended Scotch; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the world; MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, the world's leading vermouths and the world's favorite Italian sparkling wines; CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, one of the most popular premium tequilas in Mexico and the United States; and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S®, the fastest-growing global Scotch whisky brand; ERISTOFF® vodka, one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in the world; and ST-GERMAIN®, a super-premium elderflower liqueur.
Founded 152 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.BacardiLimited.com
About MARTINI
One of the most iconic brands in the world, MARTINI® is the world's leading producer of vermouth and Italian sparkling wine. The award-winning, vibrant and bittersweet taste of the MARTINI vermouth range is the result of secret blends of more than 40 botanicals sourced from the finest locations across the globe. The MARTINI portfolio includes MARTINI Bianco, MARTINI Rosato, MARTINI Rosso, MARTINI Extra Dry, MARTINI Asti, MARTINI Moscato d'Asti, MARTINI Prosecco, MARTINI Rose, MARTINI Brut and MARTINI Royale. www.MARTINI.com
Created in 1863 in Turin, Italy, the MARTINI® brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.
Media Contact
Patricia M. Neal or Amy Federman, +1.441.294.1110, [email protected]
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MARTINI & OTHER MARKS RELATED TO PRODUCTS QUOTED ARE TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED OR OF OTHER SUBSIDIARIES OF BACARDI LIMITED
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