Bacardi reducing GHG emissions from its rum by 50%

Bacardi has announced that it will be reducing its greenhouse gas emissions for its rum production by half. Beginning in 2023, the brand will be reducing its emissions through using a combined heat and power (CHP) system at its Puerto Rico distillery.

The adoption of the CHP system will see heavy fuel oil replaced with propane gas. This change alone will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and translates to a 14% decrease in total emissions from the company.

“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 adoption of the new cogeneration system is one part of the company’s environmental practices, with other components including the use of a biogas generation, heat recapturing systems, the CO₂ capture from the fermentation process and the development of pollinator gardens to support local wildlife.

Other measures taken involve reducing the amount of water used, relying wholly on recyclable packaging and taking a policy of zero waste going to landfill at its production sites.

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