We are all familiar with the phrase ‘drink responsibly’ but one company giving this concept new meaning is independent family wine business, Sea Change. Though they are only a small UK based company with just ten employees to date, they are united in their big ambitions and commitment to turn the tide on plastic pollution, whilst making eco friendly drinking an easy and sustainable choice.
When Toby Hancock and Bill Rolfe started a family wine business, 10 International, over 15 years ago, they shared a strong belief that every business has a responsibility to the environment. In 2018 a chance conversation with a customer about the impact of single use plastic on the ocean, led to a revolutionary idea and Sea Change was born, co-founded by Simon Rolfe and Ian Hanley. Since it’s conception, Sea Change has gained huge momentum and grown into something much bigger, a movement in itself and reason to change the way we think – and drink!
It is a well documented fact that our beloved oceans are in crisis with over 96 billion pieces of plastic discarded every year in the UK alone. Much of this plastic ends up in our rivers, lakes and oceans, and whilst most of us do our bit to recycle and re-use where we can, the sad fact is that less than 10% of plastic used worldwide is actually recycled.
So what exactly are these changes and what makes a wine eco friendly? Firstly – the packaging. The average bottle of wine has an unnecessary amount of plastic packaging, whether this is found in the cork, the outer wrappings or even the bottle closure. More often than not, this is single use plastic which is not easy to recycle and not needed in the first place. Sea Change bottles are different and yet there is no compromise on quality. They use lighter weight glass bottles with no plastic wrapping, renewable plant based closures, natural corks and label paper made from sustainable forests and grape waste. When the wine wings its way to lucky recipients, only recycled and recyclable cardboard manufactured in the UK is used.
Next up in Sea Change’s treasure chest of sustainable credentials are their contributions to carefully selected marine charity partners. For each bottle of wine purchased, they contribute a minimum of 25 cents to charity and have already raised over €350,000 which has funded vital research and support, with an aim to hit €500,000 by the end of 2023. In 2022 the top three donations were made to Ocean Generation – the charity behind the amazing documentary ‘A Plastic Ocean’, Sea Changers and the Olive Ridley Project.
These donations help where it really matters; educating 1.1 million children on tackling ocean threats, funding over 250 grassroots and community marine conservation and research projects throughout the UK and cleaning hundreds of beaches, recruiting thousands of volunteers to help protect Ireland’s coastline and seas. Further afield this money is used in the protection of sea turtles in two rescue centres in the Maldives with more planned for Oman, Kenya and Pakistan. In Singapore, Sea Change charities are working with the yachting community to promote oceanographic research, conservation and education.
Now to the actual wines themselves. Sea Change are particular about their partners and ensure transparency of the supply chain. Where possible they buy direct from family wine estates and will only work with like-minded businesses who share their philosophy and eco friendly ideals. All vineyards must agree and adhere to a Supplier Charter setting out environmental, ethical and social policies.
The current Sea Change family is made up of nine wine ranges which are not only pleasing to the planet and palate, they are also aesthetically beautiful. Each range is represented by different endangered marine wildlife as featured on the exquisite labels with original artwork by designer, Katie Hannah. Their premium collection is represented by a stunning seahorse and features an exquisite Provence Rosé, whilst the Starfish range is a particular favourite and most awarded range of sparkling Prosecco. New to the collection is the Albatross – a 0% alcohol wine alternative, revolutionary in its production method, avoiding the need for de-alcoholisation and therefore retaining its true aroma, flavour and texture. For those on the go, Sea Change have also brought out a selection of their range in convenient cans – perfect for those on the go and avoiding the need for corkscrews or plastic cups.
It’s clear to see that this British brand is having a worldwide impact and look set to have a sparkling future. As Co-founder, Simon Rolfe commented “We’re really proud of how far we’ve come in five years but know there is still more that we can achieve. Sea Change is proof that the type of wine you choose can make a difference”. We’ll drink to that.
