One of our favourite distilleries in the realm of Scotch whisky and gin, i.e. Bruichladdich, not only keeps channeling its alchemy in never not enjoyable drops but emerges as a trailblazer on the 'Road to 100,' charting a spirited course towards excellence in both social and environmental impact. Situated in the embrace of Islay, this Hebridean haven recently achieved a remarkable feat—retaining its coveted B Corp status while elevating its Impact Score to an impressive 100.7 points, signifying a remarkable 21% improvement over three transformative years.
Home to revered single malts such as Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, Octomore, and The Botanist gin, the distillery made history in 2020 as the first in Europe to secure B Corp certification. This accolade not only underscores its commitment to social and environmental standards but initiates an enduring journey of continuous improvement.
Bruichladdich's triumph unfolds through a proactive approach to sustainability, seen in a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions, staunch community support, and a visionary mission to decarbonize production by 2025. The Impact Score, spanning Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers, soared from 83.2 to an outstanding 100.7 during recertification.
CEO Douglas Taylor reflects, “Bruichladdich is a Victorian distillery reimagined for the future, preserving our history while making tangible progress. Our new Impact Score is an incredible step forward. It’s a moment to celebrate and acknowledge how much more we can do to drive change. We’re not resting on our laurels, continuing to leave a lasting, positive legacy on Islay and beyond.”
Governance shines with a 110% improvement, highlighting transparency. Worker-centric policies and community commitment contribute to an 18% and 66% improvement, respectively. Environmental strides, including sustainable packaging, led to an 11% improvement. The Classic Laddie bottle redesign reduced packaging emissions by 65%.
Looking forward, the distillery commits to decarbonize by 2025, ahead of industry targets. Biofuels and green hydrogen explore new horizons, showcasing sustainability in spirits.
Bruichladdich redefines distillery narratives, toasting accomplishments, and embracing perpetual innovation. The odyssey continues as Bruichladdich navigates seas of excellence and environmental stewardship with unwavering determination.
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Bruichladdich.