Bacardi's greenhouse emissions reduced by 50 per cent by 2023

Bacardi has mapped out how it will cut its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by half from 2023.

When Bacardi's Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system goes live next year at the brand’s distillery in Puerto Rico., the family-owned distillery's emissions will be reduced by 50 per cent when heavy fuel oil with propane gas is replaced by a much cleaner and 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, Bacardi 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 160^th anniversary and while we reflect on our incredible history we are also looking forward to a more sustainable future.”

The 50 per cent reduction in GHG emissions represents a 14 per cent cut in the distillery's total emissions globally and takes Bacardi a significant step towards the 50 per cent reduction target set for 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,” said Rodolfo Nervi, VP Global Safety, Quality & 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 distillery is already has new environmentally friendly practices in place, including

• The generation of biogas through the waste water treatment system which helps power the distillation and creates electricity – more than 60 per cent of the distillery’s energy is generated this way
• Recapturing 95 per cent of the heat generated during distillation to reduce the energy required
• Plan is underway to capture CO2 from the fermentation process so it can be supplied to the sparkling drinks industry
• Planting and nurturing six pollinator gardens to support local wildlife in Puerto Rico. Bacardi has received conservation certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council in recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship.

As part of its Corporate Responsibility program, Good Spirited, and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Bacardi has set a number of goals which it is committed to achieving by 2025. These global targets, which are in addition to the company’s commitment to be 100 per cent plastic free by 2030, include: 

• 50 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions at Bacardi production sites
• 25 per cent cut in water consumption at Bacardi production sites
• 100 per cent key raw materials and packaging sourced sustainably
• 100 per cent of product packaging to be recyclable
• 40 per cent recycled content of product packaging materials
• Zero waste to landfill at all Bacardi production sites.