Bacardí Rum Introduces System to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Half

(Photo: Bacardi)

Puerto Rican rum brand, Bacardí, is celebrating the inaugural opening of its new Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system. The new system will see greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the largest privately held international spirits company, cut in half. To mark the occasion, Bacardí held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its rum distillery located in Cataño, Puerto Rico.

The CHP system is meant to replace heavy fuel oil with propane gas which shifts the site towards a cleaner source of energy. The new system will generate 100% of the energy used at the Bacardí campus including the distillery, offices and the visitor center.

Though Bacardí is most known for its rum, the spirits company has one of the largest spirits portfolios including brands such as Patrón tequila, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire and Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky among many others. This means the 50% reduction in greenhouse gases will be a significant step in reducing emissions globally for the company as a whole.  

“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,” says 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.”

The introduction of the CHP is one of several steps the company is taking to become more environmentally friendly. Previously, the brand removed plastic from bottles in a bid to be plastic-free by 2030. These actions align with Bacardí’s initiative in corporate responsibility called Good Spirited which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“As a family-owned company, we take great responsibility in protecting the legacy of generations to come,” adds Magaly Feliciano, Global Sustainability Director. “The work we are doing today will help build a more sustainable future for our people and the planet.”

Alongside cutting carbon emissions in half the brand has set a number of goals that it is committed to achieving by 2025. 

The steps being taken by the spirits company may seem like green-washing or pandering to the ever-growing environmentally conscious population. However, these changes will have a profound and real impact on the rum and spirits industry as a whole. Let us hope that other big brands take note of this and make meaningful changes to make rum a sustainable spirit we can all enjoy for generations to come. 

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