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Bulleit begins glass recycling initiative in Kentucky
Diageo has launched the first phase of its ‘Don’t Trash Glass’ programme in Kentucky at the Bulleit distillery in Shelbyville.
A collaborative project with the Glass Packaging Institute and GlassKing Recovery & Recycling, the initiative aims to collect used glass bottles and improve regional recycling rates.
First launched in 2021, so far it has collected 2.2 million pounds of glass in Illinois, and with the expansion into Kentucky, the goal is to further this commitment and encourage small businesses, covering bars and restaurants, to recycle their glass bottles.
At 15%, Kentucky currently has one of the lowest glass recycling rates in the States, according to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics.
Jayant Kairam, vice-president, society for Diageo North America, said: “‘Don’t Trash Glass’ is an exciting partnership that has shown a promising first year of impact to improve regional glass collection and advance circularity across our customer value chain in the Chicagoland area.
“We believe that working collectively with local businesses and the hospitality sector will generate lasting solutions that support communities and advance our sustainable by design goals.
“It is why we are extremely excited about expanding our partnership and taking the programme to Kentucky.”
Bulleit itself has a ‘sustainable-by-design’ commitment, and focuses on natural habitat protection, water conservation, and local ingredient sourcing.
The Diageo-owned brand began production at Diageo’s first carbon-neutral distillery in 2021, and also has a partnership with nonprofit organisation American Forests to plant and restore 2.5m white oak trees by 2026.
It has plans of achieving carbon-neutral production in Shelbyville by 2026.
On bringing Don’t Trash Glass to Kentucky, Jenika Newsum, brand manager at Bulleit, said: “At Bulleit, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve both our production and whiskey offerings.
“We are thrilled to bring this programme home to Kentucky to make a difference in our local communities.”
In celebration of Earth Month in April, visitors are encouraged to bring their glass bottles to the Bulleit Distilling Co glass recycling centre at the facility’s front entrance from Wednesday to Saturday between 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday from 11.30am to 5pm.
Diageo is aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from all direct operations by 2030 and has a 10-year plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress, to achieve its sustainable goals.
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