Bacardi to cut emissions from rum making in half

Bacardi has opened a new combined heat and power (CHP) system at its rum distillery in Puerto Rico that is designed to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the rum brand in half.

The CHP system replaces heavy fuel oil with propane gas and will generate 100% of the energy used at the campus, including the distillery, offices and the Casa BACARDÍ visitor centre.

In addition to rum, the Bacardi portfolio also includes its tequila, vodka, gin and whisky brands. Bacardi is committed to cutting 50% of its GHG emissions globally, across the business, by 2025.

“At Bacardi, we are committed to cutting our GHG emissions by reducing our energy consumption and switching to the most sustainable form of energy where we make our beloved brands. We are continuously exploring ways in which we can take more positive steps towards our ultimate goal of net zero across our sites,” said Edwin Zayas, Vice President of Operations for Bacardi Corporation in Puerto Rico. “We are proud of the work we are doing in Puerto Rico, and across the globe, to be greener and cleaner with our energy.”

Other ways in which the rum distillery is implementing new environmental practices include:

• the creation of biogas through the cleaning of wastewater, which then powers the distillation and creates electricity — more than 60% of the distillery’s energy is generated this way;
• a new treatment system that helps clean the biogas and reduce environmental impacts;
• recapturing 95% of the heat generated during distillation to reduce the energy required;
• developing a new project to capture CO₂ from the fermentation process and supply it to the sparkling drinks industry on the island;
• planting and nurturing pollinator gardens to support local wildlife in Puerto Rico;
• to mark its 161st anniversary, Bacardi will plant 161 coconut trees in Puerto Rico this year. The trees will help regenerate and protect a beach located near the BACARDÍ rum distillery, an area that has suffered significant hurricane damage in recent years.

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% plastic free by 2030, include:

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

Image caption: Edwin Zayas, VP of Operations Bacardi Corporation (centre left), with Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi (centre right) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new CHP system at the Bacardi rum distillery in Puerto Rico. (Image credit: Business Wire)