Whisky Can Also Be Fuel?? Glenfiddich Works Towards Sustainability

Glenfiddich Distillery, the scotch whisky maker, has begun adapting their delivery trucks to be able to run on low carbon fuel created by their own factories’ waste. 

Less than 10% of what gets produced is actual whisky product. The production process of brewing and distilling creates large volumes of water waste, spent grains, among other leftover fibres.  

And while spent grains get sold off to create high-protein cattle feed, the other unwanted production waste usually just gets tossed into the environment. But Glenfiddich has decided to convert its delivery trucks to run off its waste products in an effort to recycle everything. 

By creating their own biogas through anaerobic digestion (the process of bacteria breaking down organic matter), Glenfiddich can transform all its liquid waste into fuel. Their whisky waste biogas is already powering 3 converted trucks that transport their alcohol from their production hub at Dufftown to their distributors in central and western Scotland. 

According to Glenfiddich, their biogas cuts down CO2 emissions by over 95% compared to regular, diesel, and other fossil fuels. It also reduces their greenhouse gas emissions by 99%. 

But why have they done this? The Scottish whisky industry is looking to tackle climate change and actually has set a goal of their industry reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Glendiffich’s parent company, William Grant and Sons say they plan to make their technology accessible to the entire Scottish whisky industry in order to support that goal.

Using renewable energy and creating fuel by recycling waste can decrease the amount of harmful particulate matter being released into our environment. Glenfiddich has discovered a commendable way to give their previously unusable waste a new life. 

What do you think? Do you know any other companies or industries that are trying to reduce their carbon footprint? Who are they and what are they doing? Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook or LinkedIn, we’d love to hear from you!