A sobering thought for Earth Day (which is on April 22, 2020): one study, by the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER), found that the production, packaging and distribution of a 750-mL bottle of spirits produces almost three kilograms of carbon dioxide.
With our industry’s focus on all things local, and on innovation, artisan distilling has an opportunity to be part of some of the solutions to achieving a more sustainable, climate-stable planet. For instance, Dairy Distillery in Almonte, Ontario, recycles milk permeate (an inedible waste product from dairy farms) as the raw material for making its Vodkow vodka. Others strive for organic or carbon-neutral status.
Here are a few ideas for eco-friendly best practices that we’ve gleaned from distilling best practices worldwide.
Distillery designs that maximize gravity-fed processes, and buildings that aspire to LEED certification.
Local products—from equipment to raw materials and tasting room/cocktail bar ingredients—to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport shipping.
Fair trade certifications for suppliers of any products coming from overseas.
Organic ingredients, including yeast, grains and botanicals.
Recycling spent grain mash to local farmers for feed, fertilizer and compost.
Efficient water management, including rainwater-collection systems and systems that reclaim water from distilling processes to help heat or cool other equipment and processes.
Responsible disposal of refrigerants, according to local regulations and best practices.
Paper products approved by the FSC and other certification bodies, printed using eco-friendly (such as soy-based) inks.
Labels affixed with nontoxic glue, and natural corks for easier recycling.
Local glass where possible and where not, lighter glass packaging to reduce shipping’s carbon footprint. Look for glass suppliers with Cradle to Cradle or other sustainable certifications.
Alternative power sources available in your region (such as wind, solar or geothermal), or working with a renewable energy provider such as Bullfrog Power (like Park Distillery in Banff, Alberta, and King’s Lock Craft Distillery in Johnstown, Ontario, do).
Recycling paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic at your distillery, and choosing reusable containers (including straws, cups, plates and eating utensils) for your tasting room and events.
Purchasing carbon offsets for business travel.
Choosing shipping partners that use hybrid-electric or other energy-efficient vehicles, or offer zero-emission fleets.
Supporting eco-conscious organizations and non-profits in your local community.