The environmental movement is gaining momentum in craft distilling. It’s a green wave guiding us towards a future where the harmony between production and environment is not just a possibility, but a reality.
Yes – It’s taken too long. Sure, it’s still taking too long, but as an industry we’re moving and that’s to be celebrated. Most of all, it’s something that should be further encouraged.
As founders and distillery owners, embracing sustainable practices from the inception of your journey can carve a path filled with both purpose and profit. For those up and running, it’s less hassle than you think to reverse engineer better solutions into your operations.
In this article, we’ll share some easy wins that we hope in a year or two’s time, will seem quaint and overly simple compared to what’s happening as the movement accelerates.
For those looking to make their first steps (which is where the vast majority of producers are currently), the following areas are a great place to start increasing your distillery’s sustainability and reducing its footprint.
The best thing about them – it doesn’t have to be about altruism! By integrating these strategies, your distillery will not only support the planet but also benefit economically. For all of us in the drinks industry – it’s just good business to go green.
Environmental opportunity – water conservation
By implementing these water conservation methods, you can contribute to the preservation of natural resources, which is crucial for the sustainability of the distilling industry and the planet. You’ll also save a huge amount of costs in the medium to long term.
Closed-loop cooling systems
These systems recirculate water instead of discharging it after a single use. This not only saves a significant amount of water but also reduces the energy costs involved in cooling fresh water every time.
Such systems are vital in areas with water scarcity or high-water costs. Take a look at South Africa as an example where an entire country’s distilling operations was placed under significant restrictions from distilling due to the drought (2018-2021). How secure is your source?
At their most simple, implementing a closed loop system is a simple case of having a large cold-water tank with a thermal jacket feeding still’s condenser. You can take it further and set up a sequence of them and let it operate passively, with each unit acting as a natural heat exchange.
Implementation tip: Regular maintenance is key to ensure the system operates efficiently and doesn’t develop leaks or other issues. Look into water safety to understand the risks of contamination (see our Water article for more on this).
Rainwater harvesting & re-using process wastewater
Collecting and storing rainwater can provide a supplementary water source for various distillery processes. This not only reduces dependence on municipal water supplies but also lowers water bills. It’s a great way to utilise a natural resource and contribute positively to the environment.
While you may choose not to use it for product water (as you need guaranteed supplies on demand), it’s easy to build enough storage capacity for it to be able to feed CIP systems.
In contrast to using rainwater for internal use, re-using process wastewater for landscaping not only conserves water but also beautifies the surroundings. Why not build a habitat for local wildlife if you have the space? This can enhance the aesthetics of your distillery, creating a more inviting space for visitors.
Implementation tip: Ensure the collection system is properly filtered and the storage tanks are regularly cleaned to maintain water quality. Vis versa, filter wastewater before releasing it back into the environment (see our article about Effluent Management for more)
Both of these strategies are incredibly easy to implement. The set-up cost is low, the change required for them to be incorporated to existing operations is likely to be minimal and the returns can be huge.
Environmental opportunity – energy efficiency
Here are three simple areas to look to improve your efficiency and reduce your distillery’s energy bills.
Heat exchangers
Heat exchangers capture and reuse heat from processes like distillation. This reduces the need for additional energy to heat materials, leading to energy conservation and cost savings. They’re essential for energy recovery in processes where heat is a by product.
For those fermenting and distilling, it’s a no brainer – why pay to heat the mash from scratch while also paying to heat the still? Recover some heat from the distillation to reduce the energy demand of heating up mash instead. Same goes for cooling the wort etc.
Implementation tip: Regularly monitor and maintain the heat exchangers to ensure they operate at maximum efficiency and prevent energy losses.
Natural light
Designing distilleries to maximise natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. This can significantly lower electricity consumption and costs. Moreover, natural light creates a more pleasant working environment.
Implementation tip: Consider skylights, large windows, and strategic building orientation to enhance natural lighting. Investing in this at design phase is very cheap and the money saved both literally in electricity and less overtly in increased productivity and mental health is considerable.
Solar energy & insulation
Solar panels can provide a renewable energy source, reducing reliance on non-renewable grid electricity. This can lead to significant long-term energy cost savings and a reduction in the carbon footprint.
Moreover, your distillery might be in a location where there are government incentives or grants for solar installation… The set up could actually be very cheap!
When the sun’s disappeared, proper insulation in the distillery, including walls, roofs, and equipment, helps maintain temperatures, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. When looked at in the medium term, these are a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency.
Environmental opportunity – waste reduction
Incorporating these waste reduction strategies will not only contribute to a healthier environment but also lead to operational efficiencies and therefore potential cost savings.
Taking this environmental approach also resonates particularly well with the growing consumer preference for environmentally responsible brands, potentially offering a competitive edge for the marketing team…
Optimise, recycle and up-cycle
Streamlining production processes to minimise waste not only conserves resources but also improves efficiency and reduces costs. This includes optimising raw material usage and improving process flow.
By recycling materials like glass, plastic, and metal, and finding new uses for by-products (like spent grains), distilleries can significantly reduce their waste footprint. Up-cycling can also create additional revenue streams.
Implementation tip: Go beyond the straightforward options. Once you’ve dealt with the big items, partner with local businesses who can use your other waste products creatively.
Sustainable packaging
Opting for recycled or biodegradable packaging materials helps reduce the environmental impact. Lightweight packaging also reduces shipping costs and carbon emissions.
Great ‘eco’ DTC dispatch options are well documented for those able to sell direct, but for those only doing wholesale think of everything going out the door. For your product there’s bottle, stopper, seal, labels. For the cases there’s carton packaging and how that’s sealed. Lastly, for palletised orders, look at how that’s wrapped, marked and if you can do consolidated options. Etc.
Implementation tip: There are so many areas to make marginal gains on and for most it’s about incremental improvements. Research and collaborate with sustainable packaging suppliers who share your environmental values.
Employee engagement and training
By focusing on these aspects of employee engagement and process implementation, a craft distillery can not only enhance its sustainability credentials but also improve operational efficiency and workforce morale.
These strategies demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and can significantly contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the distillery.
Sustainability programs
Implementing sustainability programs within the distillery educates and engages employees in environmental efforts. This can lead to a more motivated workforce and innovative ideas for sustainable practices.
Implementation tip: Organise regular training sessions and workshops on sustainability. Encourage employees to contribute ideas and reward innovative solutions.
Optimal equipment usage
Training employees to use equipment efficiently reduces energy and resource waste. Proper usage ensures machinery operates at peak performance, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
Don’t forget the more extreme situations though. Equipping staff with the skills to handle emergencies efficiently minimises potential environmental damage and ensures quick resolution of issues. This includes dealing with spills, equipment malfunctions, and power outages.
Implementation tip: Develop comprehensive training manuals and regular refresher courses to keep staff updated on best practices in equipment handling. Conduct regular emergency drills and provide training on handling different types of potential environmental hazards.
Resource management
Careful tracking and management of resources help identify areas where conservation efforts can be most effective. This includes monitoring water and energy usage, raw material inputs, and waste outputs. Weaponise the data! Go for the low hanging fruit and easy options first.
Implementation tip: Invest in monitoring software or systems that provide real-time data on resource usage for better management decisions.
Preventive maintenance
Regular maintenance of equipment ensures it operates efficiently, preventing unnecessary resource wastage due to malfunctioning or suboptimal performance. It also helps avoid costly breakdowns.
Implementation tip: Establish a preventive maintenance schedule and train staff to perform routine checks and basic maintenance tasks.
Crafting a sustainable approach in distilling is not just a trend; it’s a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
By integrating these strategies, your distillery will not only support the planet but also benefit economically. It’s time to embrace the future!
