Winner – Conrad Distillery
Based in Queensland’s wine region, Conrad Distillery produces its namesake gin, vodka and coffee liqueur from rescued wine.
Since commencing operations around two years ago, the company has saved 20 tonnes of wine from landfill – including smoke-tainted batches – and “we are well on our way to triple this figure by next year”.
Conrad Distillery has implemented a closed-water cooling system as well as a recycling and catchment system that reduces water usage. “These measures have allowed us to save over 15 tonnes of water annually, with each batch using three tonnes less water than the industry standard”. Elsewhere on the distilling side, the company has developed an energy-efficient still in collaboration with the manufacturer, with on-site solar panels contributing to a carbon-neutral production process. What carbon is generated is offset through the Catalyst Market Indigenous trading platform, “supporting environmental stewardship and cultural preservation within indigenous communities”.
A bottle return programme operates at the distillery.
“Our consumers are not just selecting a premium product, they’re also supporting a brand that values the planet, its people and the principles of responsible governance.”
Our judges said: “Very strong awareness of their CO2 impact, coupled with the use of energy-efficient stills and a healthy focus on water conservation.”
Special Commendation – The Boatyard Distillery
B-Corp-certified Boatyard operates out of a distillery on the banks of Lough Earne in Ireland. Two of its products – Double Gin and Vodka – are certified organic, with glass bottles across the full portfolio made using 60% recycled glass.
As an alternative, Boatyard sells its spirits in 2.8-litre pouches for the on-premise, while the fruit from the gin production process is reused by bars in neighbouring Northern Ireland as garnishes and all liquid waste heads to the company’s anaerobic digesters to generate electricity.
