Scotch industry ‘on course’ to reach green targets

The Scotch whisky industry reduced landfill waste to just 2% last year and is “on course” to reach its “ambitious” environmental targets, according to a new report from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The Scotch whisky industry is “on course” to achieving the green targets set out in 2009

As a whole, the industry has reduced waste sent to landfill from 13% in 2008 to just 2% last year, the SWA’s Environmental Strategy Report detailed.

Use of non-fossil fuels to generate waste increased to 17% in 2014 – a leap from just 3% in 2008 according to the report.

The Scotch whisky industry launched its Environmental Strategy in 2009 with numerous targets to push sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, moving away from fossil fuels, sending no waste to landfill by 2020 and managing water requirements effectively, and remains the only strategy in Scotland that covers a whole business sector.

“We believe our Environmental Strategy is a great example of what can be achieved by an industry working in collaboration,” said David Frost, SWA chief executive. “Our progress report, published today, shows that the Scotch whisky industry is committed to sustainability and maintaining a pristine environment for generations to come.

“We have made great strides since the Industry Environmental Strategy was launched in 2009 and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved.

“But when it comes to sustainability more can always be done and we will continue to work in partnership with governments, regulators and our supply chain to further improve our environmental performance.”

Other findings in the report showed greenhouse gas emissions have risen 14% since 2008, however the SWA notes this is despite an increase in production of 20%, thus “efficiency has improved”. Greenhouse gas emissions declined 1% in absolute terms from 2008 to 2014.

Net water use has dropped 14% since 2008 and the average weight of packaging materials is lower at 6.56kg last year per nine-litre case, compared to 6.62kg in 2008.

“The whisky sector continues to be more resourceful, and has proved that is it contributing significantly in Scotland’s shift towards a more circular economy,” commented Richard Lochhead, cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food and environment.

“A flourishing natural environment is vitally important to all of us for practical, social and cultural purposes.

“The Scotch Whisky Association recognises this in its environment strategy, and I commend them in their endeavours set out in this report, and their commitment towards sustainability issues.”