Wednesday 28 September 2016

Toast to sustainability across Scotch whisky industry

The scotch whisky industry is upping its green credentials by committing to new targets.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has committed to reduce emissions across the industry through the wider adoption of renewables, which will provide 20% of primary energy by the end of the decade.

Its updated targets include around 80% of primary energy use to come from non-fossil fuels such as solar power and anaerobic digestion by 2050 and improving distilling water efficiency by 10%.

The industry also aims to improve energy efficiency by 7.6% and “embrace a circular economy” by sending no general waste from its operations to landfill and ensure all product packaging are 100% recyclable by the end of the decade.

Julie Hesketh-Laird, Scotch Whisky Association Deputy Chief Executive, said: "The refresh of the Scotch Whisky Industry Environmental Strategy is a clear sign of bold industry intentions on sustainability. Sound environmental management is an industry priority and goes hand in hand with business growth.

“Our strategy is collective, building on the work of individual Scotch Whisky producers and strong support from governments and our supply chains will be needed to help deliver on our ambitions.”

Distilleries and warehouses have improved energy efficiency by 2% and packaging operations have done the same by 20% since 2008.