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Suntory continues to protect peatlands
Maker’s Mark owner Beam Suntory has announced the third phase of its long-term project to protect Scotland’s peatlands.
Beam Suntory will fund roughly £100,000 (US$126,672) to restore peatland on Craigculter Moss, in Aberdeenshire, in partnership with Northern Peat & Moss.
Initial work has already begun on the 60-hectare site. The project will use ‘novel techniques’ to restore the peat bog, which is said to be below the ‘standard’ threshold level used to harvest peat, having historically been used to harvest peat for different industries, such as fuel.
The project will also enhance biodiversity in the area and re-establish its nature-supporting habitats.
Alistair Longwell, head of distillation and environment of Beam Suntory, said: “We are very proud of the progress we’ve made since launching the Peatland Water Sanctuary programme three years ago, with 206 hectares restored and 435 hectares in planning stages.
“This project at Craigculter marks an important step in our industry-wide commitment to restoring Scotland’s peatlands, proving that by implementing novel methods, we can push the boundaries of restoration and show that even historically degraded land can be replenished to a thriving natural habitat.”
The Peatland Water Sanctuary’s long-term target is to restore 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, with Beam Suntory and its parent company Suntory Holdings jointly pledging US$4 million to the cause.
The aim is to ensure the sustainability of Scotch whisky production.
“Our global sustainability strategy, Proof Positive, lays out our commitment to making a positive impact on the environments and communities in which we operate,” said Robbie Millar, president of global whisky and prestige, Beam Suntory.
“By collaborating with other organisations, landowners and expert conservationists, we can implement real change for these crucial watersheds, and we look forward to sharing our results and learnings with others as we progress the Peatland Water Sanctuary programme.”
Harumichi Seta, general manager of the sustainability management division at Suntory Holdings, said: “As a company sustained by the gifts of nature and water, we are dedicated to replenishing and protecting the natural wetlands across Scotland that play an indispensable role in water purification and biodiversity.
“We are steadfast in our long-term restoration targets and hope to bring many more partners on the journey with us, to maximise our collective positive impact on nature and society.”
Numerous spirits brands are now making major moves in sustainability to preserve the areas that support their production.
Recently, Chivas Brothers started a programme to protect the waterways around the north-east of Scotland, many of which flow through land owned by the company.