How Sustainability Can Be Good For Your Bottomline
“Profit is necessary to survive as a business and I often say to people – it is hard to be green when you are in the red. Sustainability is always good for the bottom line, often people confuse sustainability programs as a direct cost, but it is really an investment in ‘the now’ that can save so much more in the future, not only financially, but also environmentally.” - Dave James, Distiller and Founder of Begin Distilling, makers of Juno Gin.
Renewable Energy and Natural Resources For Long-Term Savings
At Begin Distilling, the chilled water source was simply wild rainwater collected from the roof of their distillery using two 5,000-litre tanks for the first few years. The two tanks served as both hot and cold wells for the distillery, eliminating the need for a chilling plant. This led to electricity savings equivalent to powering 450 homes for a year.
CEO and Founder of Future Green, Heidi Yu Spurrell also shares that the integration of renewable energy sources, notably solar power, is emerging as a “no-brainer” for distilleries. By tapping into solar energy, distilleries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring a reliable and sustainable power source. “The initial investment may be substantial, but the long-term benefits of environmental stewardship and cost savings are undeniable,” she adds.
Reduced Wastage and Cost Savings From Packaging Alternatives
An early adopter of environmental packaging, Mother of Pearl Vodka uses Frugalpac bottles that are fully recyclable. Made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch, Frugalpac offers a disruptive and revolutionary alternative to glass, weighing just 710g (filled). Paper bottles are less likely to break, which results in cost savings from less wastage. They are also 5 times lighter than normal glass bottles, which can reduce shipping and distribution costs.
Access New Businesses With A Preference For Sustainable Products
For a craft distiller, being able to reduce the environmental impact of a company’s beverage operations while also offering a more efficient solution can help gain access to new venues, according to Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSPIRITS. The company works with partners across the industry – large and small – who want to improve the sustainability of their supply chain and packaging; offering 95% less physical glass and cardboard waste, and 60-90% reduction in the carbon footprint in packaging and distribution.
“Venues using the ecoSPIRITS technology can see a 30-50% reduction in storage space and improved ergonomics and handling. High-volume bars can use ecoSPIRITS to save staff significant time when preparing for the night ahead. The system can also save time at the end of the night by reducing the need to take empty glass bottles to be recycled,” adds Gabie.
In an interview with Daniel Ayres, Director of Restaurants & Bars, Luxury Operations at Marriott International, he says that “Sustainability plays a very important role in product selection, more so now than ever before. In my opinion, sustainability is luxury, and this is something we are seeing that is driven by consumer trends.” Listen to the full interview here.
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