The carbon footprint of downstream wine logistics: A case study of exports from South Africa to Germany

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the downstream wine supply chain, evaluating the carbon footprint of shipping wine from a winery in South Africa to a retailer's distribution centre in Germany. The research assesses the impact of three packaging types (conventional and lightweight glass bottles and bag-in-a-box), the country of bottling, and 16 distribution scenarios to determine the most emission-effective strategy. A sensitivity analysis of six variables identifies key areas for sustainability improvements. Findings highlight the importance of modal shifts, bottling location proximity to consumers, and packaging choices in reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and optimising distribution efficiency. In this case-study, bag-in-box wines emerge as the best packaging option while transporting wine in bulk to a bottling facility in the country of consumption and using intermodal road-rail transport to a distribution centre are the most effective strategies. Transport distance is the most sensitive variable, followed by maritime emissions intensity factors for calculating shipping emissions.