Sustainability measures along the value chain

Sustainability only works as a whole

Sustainability is part of our daily work. In the orchards, but also beyond them, all the way to our packing facilities and VIP offices. Our fundamental belief in considering sustainability aspects an important part of our long-term direction shapes the entire production chain. We take sustainability into account across different areas of our activities.

Electricity from renewable energy sources

Our packing facilities focus on energy and resource efficiency

76.037 m2
Photovoltaic systems

ave been installed in the packaging plants throughout the Val Venosta Valley.

16,165,000 kWh
annual output

is achieved via the solar systems. This corresponds to the annual electricity demand of about 4500 households.

4,500 households

could be supplied with the amount of hydroelectric power generated by VIP each year.

Every action counts

How we live sustainability

Renewable energy and water treatment

Sorting, packing and storing apples require significant amounts of energy and water. The electricity used comes from renewable energy sources. Our modern photovoltaic systems on the roofs of our packing facilities harness solar energy and generate 16,165,000 kilowatt-hours of solar power per year. We also use hydroelectric power generated by the Alpe cooperative. The water used for sorting the apples is treated and subsequently returned to the water cycle. This is supported, among other measures, by the water treatment plant at the Mivor cooperative.

Every apple is valuable

Big, small, or with blemishes: We use every apple. No Food Waste starts in Vinschgau right at the harvest. Our farmers pick only those apples that have reached the ideal ripeness at the time, in multiple harvest rounds. The fruits are then stored under ideal conditions, sorted, and transported to the customer through a continuous cold chain. Apples that have been damaged by hail or other causes are delivered to VOG Products, the fruit processing company of the South Tyrolean fruit industry. There, all apples that are not suitable for sale are processed into apple juice, concentrate, or puree.

More about the VOG Products processing company

Material-efficient and recyclable packaging solutions.

Without any plastic, if only possible – that’s the motto for the packaging of our sustainably produced apples. Whenever possible, we use biodegradable and renewable raw materials. Our principal material is 100% FSC®-certified cardboard from sustainable forestry. Our fruit trays are also made of cardboard or cardboard combined with grass paper. For other types of packaging, we give preference to alternative materials with the specified properties, such as bags made from 80% sugar cane or PVC-free films. Naturally, all our packaging meets the applicable food-sector standards.

More about the packaging types

We take social and environmental aspects into account

For us, working sustainably means respecting the needs of people and the environment. We value a respectful working atmosphere and promote the holistic well-being of our employees with ergonomic workplaces in our offices. We use electric vehicles, public transport and bicycles, among other means of transport. Our promotional gifts and printed materials are not disposable items, but are mainly produced by local manufacturers using durable materials.