NAPA, January 2th, 2023 – Always on the forefront of innovation, Group Vicard continues to revolutionize the cooperage world with continuous improvement of its manufacturing processes and facilities. The latest advancement is the installation of a heat recovery and recycling system which captures the thermal waste from the toasting system to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
The cooperage utilizes a patented radiant-heat toasting system with 60 individual units all controlled by computer. The heat generated as a byproduct of toasting barrels averages 130°C and was vented to the outside. With the new system of heat exchangers installed, this waste heat is reused to preheat a water network which covers all the needs of the cooperage including hot water, steam to test barrels and heating the cooperage buildings.
“With this system, we estimate we can reduce our main boiler consumption by 20% and in fact, we’re already seeing a positive impact on our steam production rate,” said owner Jean-Charles Vicard. The development of this energy also opens other new possibilities for the use of steam including an electricity-generating turbine that will soon be installed at their production site in Cognac. “These new systems are part of our ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and finding ways to reduce our energy footprint and maximize the use of precious resources is one of our highest priorities” said Mr. Vicard.
If you would like more information about the cooperage or our products, please visit www.groupe-vicard.com or contact Diana Masoumi at 707-927-3168/contact@vicard-usa.com
About Group Vicard
Created in 1925 and led by its 6th generation, the VICARD Group has always remained an independent family business. The Vicard Group owns the Vicard cooperage and Vicard Generation 7, the stainless-steel company Mangeard and Merrains du Périgord stave mill. Guided by the passion of his profession, Jean-Charles Vicard and his team combine know-how, innovations, and expertise to deliver high-quality products. Vicard produces an average of 40,000 barrels per year and hundreds of tanks and casks, 70% of which are dedicated to export. All these elements combine to make Group Vicard an international reference.
