Our Sustainability journey
When Gabriel David took on the reins of Luscombe back in 1997, he was focused on producing the very best tasting organic soft drinks, made with as little impact on the planet as was possible. It's these principles that continue to underpin Luscombe today.
Energy
In 2022 we reduced pasteurisation temp by 45%. This in turn reduces the burning of fossil fuels by 30%. We have installed solar panels to provide a proportion of our electricity and we are also reviewing & reducing fuel consumption on key equipment.
Increasing Biodiversity
In 2018 we joined a ground-breaking Agroforestry project. The experiment is taking place on the Dartington Estate in Devon and is run by the Agroforestry Research Trust. It has seen us plant 1,800 elder trees alongside a rotation of organic horticultural crops & wildflowers, to produce a higher density of flora & fauna for natural pest management and increased biodiversity. This experiment has also enabled us to grow organically certified elderflower for use in our drinks, rather than foraging for wild flower heads.
The Agroforestry Research Trust is focussed on developing pioneering agricultural techniques that combine the planting of trees and crops as an alternative to vast monocultures of crops which inhibit wildlife habitation.
Organic first
We were the first drinks brand in the UK to gain organic certification with the Soil Association. These are principles with which our business was founded.
All our products are GMO free and contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Carbon reduction
To help reduce our carbon footprint we work to ship our ingredients and products in the most effective manner possible.
Our citrus for example is picked at the optimum moment for flavour. We then extract the juice close to the citrus farms and then freeze it before shipping to the UK. This halves the shipping weight thus positively impacting carbon reduction. It also functions to preserve the flavour of the juice at the moment of picking, making sure the citrus juice delivers the perfect balance of sweet acidity needed to create our drinks.
All of the apples we use in our drinks are English. Our Devon organic apples are grown on our farm and by our neighbouring farmers. We also source organic apples from our partner growers in Kent to provide a sweet note to the more acidic flavours found in Devonshire apples.
We are hoping to move all local deliveries to electric vehicles in the next few years. We are also continuing to work with our other transit partners to understand how they are working to reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon off-setting
In 2002, we planted 40 acres of diverse native woodland. We did this long before it became fashionable to do so. It was something that founder Gabrield David felt compelled to do to offset manufacturing impacts at Luscombe.
Twenty years later and the woodland continues to grow and thrive. It has become home to a wealth of bird and wildlife as well as providing a place for quiet contemplation.
Paying a fair price
We have been partnering with many of our growers & farmers for decades and have always believed in paying a fair price.
Social impacts
We support many local charities with products for their fundraising activities. These mostly relate to health-related charities or areas of disadvantage. We send our short-dated over production drinks to Soup Kitchens, Foodbanks and other charities, which equates to thousands of bottles which otherwise would have been sent as waste.
Packaging
Our drinks have always been in glass bottles, and never plastic. This has always been the way, even though it has been a more expensive decision.
We have now introduced 320ml Cans to our range. Lighter and more convenient than glass, our drinks are transported with less impact on carbon emissions.
Energy
In 2022 we reduced pasteurisation temp by 45%. This in turn reduces the burning of fossil fuels by 30%. We have installed solar panels to provide a proportion of our electricity and we are also reviewing & reducing fuel consumption on key equipment.
Increasing Biodiversity
In 2018 we joined a ground-breaking Agroforestry project. The experiment is taking place on the Dartington Estate in Devon and is run by the Agroforestry Research Trust. It has seen us plant 1,800 elder trees alongside a rotation of organic horticultural crops & wildflowers, to produce a higher density of flora & fauna for natural pest management and increased biodiversity. This experiment has also enabled us to grow organically certified elderflower for use in our drinks, rather than foraging for wild flower heads.
The Agroforestry Research Trust is focussed on developing pioneering agricultural techniques that combine the planting of trees and crops as an alternative to vast monocultures of crops which inhibit wildlife habitation.
Organic first
We were the first drinks brand in the UK to gain organic certification with the Soil Association. These are principles with which our business was founded.
All our products are GMO free and contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Carbon reduction
To help reduce our carbon footprint we work to ship our ingredients and products in the most effective manner possible.
Our citrus for example is picked at the optimum moment for flavour. We then extract the juice close to the citrus farms and then freeze it before shipping to the UK. This halves the shipping weight thus positively impacting carbon reduction. It also functions to preserve the flavour of the juice at the moment of picking, making sure the citrus juice delivers the perfect balance of sweet acidity needed to create our drinks.
All of the apples we use in our drinks are English. Our Devon organic apples are grown on our farm and by our neighbouring farmers. We also source organic apples from our partner growers in Kent to provide a sweet note to the more acidic flavours found in Devonshire apples.
We are hoping to move all local deliveries to electric vehicles in the next few years. We are also continuing to work with our other transit partners to understand how they are working to reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon off-setting
In 2002, we planted 40 acres of diverse native woodland. We did this long before it became fashionable to do so. It was something that founder Gabrield David felt compelled to do to offset manufacturing impacts at Luscombe.
Twenty years later and the woodland continues to grow and thrive. It has become home to a wealth of bird and wildlife as well as providing a place for quiet contemplation.
Paying a fair price
We have been partnering with many of our growers & farmers for decades and have always believed in paying a fair price.
Social impacts
We support many local charities with products for their fundraising activities. These mostly relate to health-related charities or areas of disadvantage. We send our short-dated over production drinks to Soup Kitchens, Foodbanks and other charities, which equates to thousands of bottles which otherwise would have been sent as waste.
Packaging
Our drinks have always been in glass bottles, and never plastic. This has always been the way, even though it has been a more expensive decision.
We have now introduced 320ml Cans to our range. Lighter and more convenient than glass, our drinks are transported with less impact on carbon emissions.
