7 Steps to Sustainability Scheme at Summerhall Distillery
Over the past two years, we've worked closely with bars, restaurants, and hotels across Edinburgh to deliver high-quality, sustainable spirits, like Pickering’s Gin and Coldsnap Vodka, at a lower cost to their customers. Imagine that - your favourite spirits for less!
Did You Know…
A single 1kg glass bottle emits around 0.6kg of CO2? That’s equivalent to driving 2.5 km! Our innovative approach aims to eliminate this unnecessary energy.
So, How Does it Work?
The original concept used 5L plastic, returnable drums and was based on a closed-loop network, designed to reduce carbon footprints—not just ours but also those of our customers, through 7 very simple steps.
Refining the System
After running a trial period over two years across a variety of venues throughout Edinburgh City Centre. It became clear that the primary challenge was ensuring the drums were consistently returned to us for refilling. Without reliable returns, the integrity of the system was jeopardized. To address this issue, we had to reimagined and refined the solution.
Solution? The Bag-in-Box (BIB)
Bag-in-Box: a fully recyclable alternative, inspired by boxed wine. This new packaging eliminated the need for drum returns, encouraging our customers to recycle the BIBs themselves. The result? A simpler, more efficient, and even more sustainable system.
The Impact of the BIB System
By switching to the BIB system, we’ve achieved remarkable results:
- 98% Reduction in Packaging Waste: A significant cut in waste from single-use materials.
- Eliminating 35kg of Carbon Emissions: For every 5 Litres of Gin or Vodka supplied, 35kg of CO2 emissions are saved.
- 67% Reduction in Emissions for the Project: This includes a reduction of 1,954 miles in road and sea transportation per bottle avoided.
Why it Matters?
Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about leading the way for a greener future. Every step we take to reduce waste and emissions is a step toward creating a more sustainable industry. And we’re not doing it alone.
By partnering with Edinburgh’s vibrant hospitality scene, we’re building a community of businesses and customers who care as much about the planet as they do about great spirits.
Drink Sustainably with Summerhall Distillery
If you are looking to enjoy spirits sustainably, look out for venues around Edinburgh that are part of our 7 Steps to Sustainability program. Each pour from one of our BIBs contributes to reducing waste and lowering emissions—all while delivering the same incredible taste you know and love.
Check out our map to discover your local spots committed to sustainability with Summerhall Distillery.
"It's brilliant to be able to pour premium spirits at a price that allows us to make a good margin and stock a local product. We were also very conscious of how much unnecessary packaging we were having to process, and the drums have been the perfect solution for us. It's better for us, our customers and the environment'' - The Ensign Ewart
