Leading authentic cider maker Westons Cider has been named a Sustainability Champion of the UK by the British Institute of Innkeeping, for its impressive strides towards green enterprise from its mill in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside.
The award recognises suppliers, businesses and partners that work alongside the pub industry which have gone above and beyond to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, awarded by the leading independent membership organisation within the pub trade. Westons Cider was praised for its work over the past year at its Much Marcle mill,
including an increased use of solar panels, up 300% in the last year, saving 60 tonnes of CO2, –equal to boiling four million cups of tea. Seventy-two tonnes of cardboard – have also been saved throughout 2023 from swapping trays to cardboard pads for every pack of cider during transportation.
Westons has also invested in new labelling technology to apply paper labels, reducing plastic use across production, while two new cider presses installed in 2023 run entirely on renewable sources of energy and are 20 per cent more efficient than the previous machines.
These are the latest innovations in a long-standing commitment to green business for the cider maker which previously invested in a new canning line, improving its recyclable packaging capabilities. Plus, its pomace, left behind during the pressing process, is converted into food-grade CO2 used to carbonate its bestselling ciders.
“We’re incredibly proud to be named a champion in our industry for our efforts towards sustainability by the BII,” says Sally McKinnon, Head of Marketing at Westons Cider.
“It’s a fantastic award to be receive and one that ensures the entire industry is striving for continued progression in sustainability.”
The heritage family business, known for producing much-loved ciders like Henry Westons and Stowford Press, is an advocate of local industry in Herefordshire and the neighbouring counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, sourcing all its apples from within 50 miles of its mill.
The cider maker also recognises the importance of protecting the surrounding countryside, having partnered with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust for over five years, to help develop and maintain natural habitats. Over 25 varieties of birds can be found in Westons’ wetlands, established in the 1980s to filter wastewater and create crucial
natural habitats.
The Westons Cider mill in Much Marcle attracts 40,000 visitors every year and is open for pre-booked tours, while its Scrumpy House restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeaways.
