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Bacardí to halve greenhouse gas emissions
Rum brand Bacardí is aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions at its Puerto Rico distillery by 50% by 2023.
The brand’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) will be halved after a combined heat and power (CHP) system is implemented next year at the distillery.
The CHP system will replace heavy fuel oil with propane gas, a more efficient energy solution.
“As a brand and as a company, we are committed to doing the right thing for the planet,” said Ned Duggan, senior vice president, Bacardí rum.
“Our rums are made in Puerto Rico, a beautiful island in the Caribbean where we are continuously investing in new innovations that will ensure we do just that. This year, we are celebrating our 160th anniversary and while we reflect on our incredible history we are also looking forward to a more sustainable future.”
The move represents a 14% cut in total emissions globally for family-owned company Bacardi, which also owns Bombay Sapphire Gin, Patrón Tequila and Grey Goose vodka.
The Bermuda-based firm is planning to reach a 50% reduction in GHG globally across its operations by 2025.
“We are committed to cutting our GHG emissions by reducing our energy consumption and switching to the most sustainable form of energy in the countries where we operate,” added Rodolfo Nervi, vice-president, global safety, quality and sustainability for Bacardi.
“While propane gas is the most responsible energy source in Puerto Rico right now, we are continuing to explore ways in which we can reduce our use of carbon-based fuels even further and take more positive steps towards our ultimate goal of net zero.”
The rum distillery has also implemented several eco-friendly measures, including generating biogas through the wastewater treatment system, which helps power the distillation and creates electricity. The site also recaptures 95% of the heat generated during distillation to reduce the energy needed.
Furthermore, the distillery is planning to capture CO2 from the fermentation process so it can be supplied to the sparkling drinks industry, and plant six pollinator gardens to support local wildlife in Puerto Rico.
In November last year, Astrophel ‘Troy’ Arquiza was named the new master blender for Bacardí rum.
In October 2020, Bacardi created a biodegradable bottle that will be rolled out across the company’s portfolio by 2023.