Clase Azul retains sustainability certification

Super-premium Tequila brand Clase Azul México has been awarded The Butterfly Mark for a second time, marking its continued commitment to sustainability in the luxury sector.

The Butterfly Mark is a ‘globally respected’ and independently verified sustainability accreditation presented by Positive Luxury, a London-based certification agency that accelerates organisations’ adaptation to the new climate economy.

The certification verifies to consumers and other stakeholders that a luxury business is operating in line with the highest standards of sustainability across the entire value chain.

Diana Verde Nieto, co-founder, Positive Luxury, commented: “I am delighted that Clase Azul México have been re-certified with the Butterfly Mark – they have operationalised sustainability across their business, empowering staff to make sustainability-driven decisions, which ultimately enables them to continue their sustainability journey.”

Clase Azul México received its first certification in 2019.

In order to achieve the Butterfly Mark, companies must achieve a minimum of 50% in each area of assessment: environment, social, and governance.

Clase Azul México achieved 63% in environment, 60% social, and 64% governance.

The luxury brand said it excelled in multiple areas of the assessment, including: climate and resource management; circular economy; community foundation; and sustainability culture.

Since 2020, Clase Azul México has formally tracked its energy and water consumption, as well as waste production, using the baseline data to set reduction targets for each, including 30% reduction for CO₂ emissions by 2025, and working towards net zero by 2050.

To meet these targets, 4,049 solar panels will be installed by 2025 across existing and new facilities. The brand’s logistic network will also be adjusted to limit emissions by lowering its fuel and energy consumption.

Clase Azul México has recycled more than 3,600 tonnes of ceramic waste since piloting a solutions-based approach to recycling.

The brand employs circular practices around its land management of the agave field, and has focused on reducing the impact of travel by cutting distances travelled in both business operations and commuting.

Promoting positive transformation

Arturo Lomeli, CEO and founder of Clase Azul México, said: “Our purpose is to captivate the world through the magic of Mexican culture while transforming ourselves into better human beings.

“Success should be defined by how we live our lives; and leading a good life both physically and mentally should always be our goal. From honouring the past to protecting the future, we promote positive transformation by pushing ourselves through improvement and enlightenment.”

The brand said its next step would be to maintain and improve on its current sustainable practices, while also identifying areas it can grow.

It said it would listen to the needs of its community and work on social programmes that would better the lives of its people.

Other luxury spirits brands that have been awarded with the Butterfly Mark include Belvedere Vodka and The Macallan.

In 2022, Clase Azul México released commemorative anniversary bottling to mark 25 years of business.