To reduce its carbon footprint, the Maison Albert Bichot continues to find new solutions

After a recently packaging reworking of its range in order to offer more eco-responsible bottles, the choice now move to the transport. Today, Friday 15 March 2024, the merchant ship Grain de Sail leaves the port of Saint-Malo for its first voyage! Inaugurated last month after almost four years of research and development, the sailing ship offers modern and sustainable freight transport across several commercial maritime routes.
For its first voyage, the boat will reach none other than New York City after 24 days at sea. After that, the boat will return to the Caribbean to load chocolate and coffee into the hold to be brought back to St. Malo. This crossing will be done 99% under sail, thus reducing CO2 emissions by around 95% compared to conventional freight transport. This eco-responsible transport also aims to reduce noise pollution and collisions with living beings in order to preserve the seas and oceans.

Grain de Sail, cargo sailboat

A sustainable and innovative transport solution, a unique boat built in aluminium, which guarantees several advantages: lightness, strength and recyclability. Its sail area at the carriers amounts to 520 m2 to allow good wind handling and reach a speed of 8 knots. As for the hold, its cargo capacity is 50 tonnes, the area is refrigerated using green energy; hygrometric readings are taken every day to ensure the good preservation of delicate foodstuffs.

Albert Bichot’s commitment to the environment with Grain de Sail

In the interest of sustainability, the House entrusts Grain de Sail with the transport of a wine palette to be delivered to New York. This is a continuation of the eco-responsible actions already carried out by the House: new labels in 100% biodegradable and recyclable cotton, FSC (Forest Support Council) certified boxes produced with at least 82% recycled materials, plastic bottles. recycled glass, natural corks from sustainably managed cork forests. News also in the vineyard: after the organic certification obtained in Burgundy, the Domaine in Chablis is also in conversion to earn HVE level 3 certification and the green leaf with the 2025 harvest.