Behind production of a top-selling bourbon, push to go green

Behind production of a top-selling bourbon, push to go green

SeattlePI.com

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The process of making fine whiskey involves aging spirits to a golden brown, but a bourbon producing giant is going green along the way.

Beam Suntory, producer of top-selling Jim Beam and Maker's Mark, both crafted in Kentucky, said Wednesday it wants to cut its companywide greenhouse gas emissions and water usage in half by 2030. The company's more ambitious goal is to remove more carbon than is emitted from its operations and among its supplier base by 2040.

The spirits giant also is committed to planting 500,000 trees annually by 2030, with a goal of planting more trees than are harvested to make barrels to hold its aging whiskeys. Bourbon ages for years in charred new oak barrels, where it acquires its color and flavor.

The sustainability campaign will span every facet of production — from “seed to sip,” it said.

“Making a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a must-do for the sustainability of our business and humanity,” said Albert Baladi, president and CEO of Chicago-based Beam Suntory.

Beam Suntory said it anticipates investing more than $500 million this decade to achieve its goals of reducing its carbon footprint. The company said it's already made progress, having reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 19% through investments in technology and use of cleaner fuels.

The company also said it will use 100% recyclable packaging by 2030 and pledged to work only with suppliers that use sustainable practices by 2040.

Another spirits giant, Diageo, plans to begin production this summer at its new Kentucky distillery that it says will be carbon neutral. The $130 million distillery at Lebanon, which will start by producing Bulleit bourbon, will be powered by 100%...

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