Majestic cork recycling scheme
Credit: Majestic
(Image credit: Majestic)

Majestic hopes the initiative will be embraced both by customers and other retailers.

Individual collection points are being set up this week across all of Majestic’s 190 stores.

The project’s goal is to recycle over 1 million corks per year, offsetting the equivalent to 309 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

‘As a national retailer, we’re always looking at ways we can pull our weight in the climate crisis. Cork represents a perfectly circular, environmentally friendly industry from cork oak to bottle – with just one final missing component; what happens after the wine has been drunk. By working with the Cork Association, we’re squaring the circle,’ explained John Colley, Majestic CEO, in a statement announcing the scheme.

Cork oak tree

Cork oak tree, Credit APCOR
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

The move might also help bring customers back in store following a shift in buying behaviour, as a result of the pandemic, that boosted and consolidated online sales.

‘I’m sure not only will this give our customers another reason to enjoy a great bottle of wine, but also another reason to visit us in-store – with their pockets brimming with corks!’ said Colley.

Carlos de Jesus, APCOR Campaign Director, said: ‘It’s great to be teaming up with our friends at Majestic and The Eden Project on such an exciting and unique project. Cork is […] a fabulous, natural product which has a story and history all of its own. The fact that we can add another chapter to that story […] is really thrilling.’

APCOR represents the leading Portuguese cork producers, promotes the sector and sponsors educational initiatives and scientific research.

The association already has recycling partnerships in other international markets – namely Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the USA.

Related content

Why are there crystals in my wine? – Ask Decanter

What to do if your wine cork breaks or crumbles – ask Decanter

Explore More
Ines Salpico
Ines Salpico
Editor

Ines is Decanter’s regional editor for Spain, Portugal and South America. Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, she grew up chasing her grandfather among his vines in Ribatejo and thus her love for all things wine began. After completing her Masters Degree in Architecture, Ines worked as a project manager while writing about wine and doing cellar consulting on the side. After moving to London in 2015, she decided to dedicate herself fully to the wine industry and joined the sommelier team at Michelin-starred Spring, Somerset House. Stints at Noble Rot and The Laughing Heart followed, while completing her WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits. Her work as a judge and writer eventually became her full time commitment and she joined Decanter in 2019 as wine database editor.