Yerevan Brandy Company is participating in the UN Biodiversity COP17 Summit, hosted in Armenia, in various formats. Throughout the summit, the company’s pavilion is operating in the Green Zone at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex.
On October 21, a panel discussion was held during which specialists from Yerevan Brandy Company presented Pernod Ricard’s biodiversity conservation initiatives under its “Good Times from the Good Place” Sustainability and Responsibility framework.
Particular attention was given to successful projects involving closed-loop water circulation systems, regenerative viticulture, and the reuse of by-products (secondary raw materials).
Shushan Khachatryan, Quality, Safety and Environment Manager at Yerevan Brandy Company, presented the closed-loop water circulation system, one of the company’s key initiatives aimed at improving the efficient use of water resources.
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Thanks to the system implemented at the distillation facilities of the company’s Aygavan and Armavir branches, water heated during the production process is used to heat buildings and workspaces. It then undergoes a specialized treatment process before being returned to the production cycle.
This approach helps reduce the need for fresh water, save energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Since the system was introduced, the company has managed to reduce water consumption by 70% and cut CO₂ emissions by 40 tonnes annually.
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The investments made to implement the project exceeded €2 million, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to conserving natural resources and operating in an environmentally responsible manner.
Meanwhile, Sirun Hayrapetyan, Project Manager in the Grape Procurement Department at Yerevan Brandy Company, spoke about the Regenerative Viticulture Program.
The program aims to restore soil health, improve the resilience of vineyards, and promote biodiversity. Launched in 2024 in collaboration with international experts, this long-term initiative includes research in experimental vineyards, professional training, and ongoing monitoring of soil and plant health.
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By exploring ways to preserve soil fertility and moisture, introduce cover crops, and reduce reliance on conventional pesticides, the company seeks to develop a science-based viticultural approach tailored to Armenia’s conditions and focused on nature restoration.
The panel discussion participants also addressed production waste management and presented a successful example of applying circular economy principles: using vinasse - the liquid residue generated during the distillation of wine material - to restore saline and semi-desert soils.