WHISKY giants have moved to help restore precious peatland and water resources to ensure drinks production is sustainable in Scotland.
Beam Suntory, the maker of Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore, and its parent company, Suntory Holdings, have announced the launch of the Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative, a large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects.
The projects represent a significant expansion of Suntory and Beam Suntory’s watershed protection, following their establishment of natural water sanctuaries in Japan and the US.
The companies plan to invest more than $4 million in the restoration and conservation of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that the firm harvests every year in making its Scotch whiskies on an ongoing basis.
Sustainability activities are taking palce across the industry and include a new biomass unit set to make island-based Bunnahabhain’s distilling process net zero.
The first Peatland Water Sanctuary project is due to begin near the Ardmore distillery next month, with subsequent projects across other sites in Scotland to follow in the coming years.
Initial works to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery will involve, in the first phase, nearly 15 hectares of peatland in the Ardmore Knockandy Hill north side slope being restored, with more to follow in 2022. Restoration will also potentially include Malsach Burn Valley next year.
Tak Niinami, chief executive of Suntory Holdings, said: “We believe that water flowing through peatlands is suited for whisky production and by restoring and conserving peatlands we hope to not only contribute to preserving whisky production as an indispensable part of Scotland’s culture, but also fulfil our responsibility as a company that relies on the blessings of nature and water.”
READ MORE: Scotland: Net zero distillery unveiled
The restoration project at Ardmore will be undertaken in partnership with the James Hutton Institute, which is assisting with the research, planning, and execution of the job, and Forestry and Land Scotland, which owns the land.
Scotch whisky production as a whole accounts for less than one per cent of Scotland’s peat use, however, Beam Suntory said the businesses share the industry’s commitment to ensuring their use of peat is sustainable and" to making a positive impact on Scotland’s environment more broadly".
Professor Colin Campbell, chief executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Suntory, Beam Suntory and Forestry and Land Scotland on this vital initiative to help restore and protect one of Scotland’s most iconic habitats. Healthy peatlands help build resilience into our water supplies and restoring them allows nature to recover from the impact of climate change and promotes long-term carbon sequestration.
“These natural assets are essential for sustaining one of Scotland’s most important industries, and it is truly a pleasure to work with partners who have such a well-developed philosophy around the protection of our natural environment.”
Simon Hodgson, Forestry and Land Scotland chief executive, said: “We are pleased to be working with Suntory, Beam Suntory and the James Hutton Institute on such a forward-looking conservation programme. It is a great example of how business and land management organisations can work together and is a welcome addition to our growing suite of corporate partnerships.”
It comes as Bunnahabhain said it is on track for a net zero emission distillation process, while the Distell International-owned company also plans peat bog restoration.
The Islay distillery hailed the installation of a biomass energy centre, powered entirely by forest biomass sourced 15 miles away and spent malt.
Ash from the biomass fuel will then be used as natural fertiliser for the replanted forest, creating a circular model for sustainability.
Elsewhere, a group of 11 Diageo distilleries on the River Spey achieved Alliance for Water Stewardship certification for how they manage water resources.
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