This joins our growing trophy cabinet from the Drinks Business, including the 2022 Ethical Awards and the 2019 Amorim Biodiversity Award.
Why is this big news? The reality is that the sustainable path is often the road less travelled - full of early mornings, late nights, and extra expenses. Yet, it is the only path we want to take. This latest achievement affirms our journey towards a greener, more responsible future – something we've been passionate about for over a decade.
At the core of our ethos lies the Growing for Good initiatives. Far more than corporate social responsibility, these projects are our way of life. From fostering art and entrepreneurship to promoting regenerative farming and ecological restoration. It's all about making real, impactful changes that last.
"Our goal is to ensure a resilient, healthy, and thriving future for generations," says our Managing Director Frans Smit. "It's about being good neighbours and working together to regenerate our soil, restore our rivers' health, and nourish our communities."
As a WWF Conservation Champion, we focus on rehabilitating water systems, boosting biodiversity, and reviving indigenous flora. Our Spier Nursery is a haven for endangered plants like Swartland Shale Renosterveld and plays a key role in rejuvenating the local ecosystem.
Beyond plants and people, our approach to sustainability encompasses waste management and water conservation. We recycle over 96% of our solid waste, with the remainder being processed at a waste-to-energy plant. In 2022, in partnership with Re-A-Liner, we made a significant stride by implementing the recycling of label-backing paper, a move that saves approximately 11,000 kg of paper waste annually.
Our energy strategy includes transitioning to renewable energy by 2025 and achieving net zero-aligned carbon emissions by 2030. Last year, our solar installations generated over 280,000 kWh, cutting CO2 emissions by 108,910.85 kg.
From the get-go, we have acknowledged that sustainability in the South African context must encompass more than environmental stewardship - it necessitates a deep, ethical involvement to build an empowered community. One prime example is our support for early learning development in the Lynedoch Valley. Here, we provide crucial counselling through Community Keepers and psychosocial support via the Living Arts Foundation.
We are proud to be a regenerative business through and through, from how we farm to how we treat people and do business. It’s the Spier way – green, grounded, and always growing.