Distilleries around the world are adopting various strategies to reduce emissions and become carbon natural, including measures such as using renewable energy and more efficient boilers or planting trees.
For instance, the only distillery in which Absolut vodka is produced, located near Ahus, southern Sweden is carbon neutral. It has achieved that through agreeing a 100% renewable electricity contract prioritising hydropower, energy efficient systems. Any remaining carbon emissions are addressed by planting trees. Absolut Vodka is a brand of French group Pernod Ricard.
Irish Distillers, also part Pernod Ricard, has set out a plan to make its Midleton Distillery carbon neutral by the end of 2026. The first step will be to reduce energy use by investing in efficient boilers and introduce a technology that will capture, compress and recycle waste heat in the distilling process. The remaining energy needs will be met with renewable sources, including green hydrogen and biogas.
Sandymount Distillery, a small distillery in New Zealand, which achieved carbon neutral status this year, offsets its biggest carbon uses by investing in planting native forests.
Lark Distilling Co, a producer of Tasmania single malt whisky and Tasmanian gin, prides itself on being Australia's first carbon neutral distillery. It has been certified by the Australian government’s initiative, Climate Active since April 2021 with 100% Australian Carbon Credit Units.
