Beverage company Beam Suntory has launched the first of its kind pilot program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the tequila industry. The project has to do with implementing regenerative agricultural practices in the company’s agave fields in Jalisco, Mexico.
Beam Suntory, the spirits manufacturer behind world renowned brands like Jim Beam and Yamazaki, announced the program will aim to unveil new possibilities to improve carbon capture potential and is in line with the company’s sustainability agenda.
As per Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive program, the beverage maker is on a path to reach net zero CO2 emissions in its direct operations as early as 2030. Furthermore, Casa Sauza’s emissions are expected to be reduced by 50% by 2026.
The pilot program is conducted in partnership with environmental professional services company Red BioTerra, which introduces additional plants to the agave fields, which absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere during the day. The agave plants, on the other hand, absorb carbon dioxide during the night, which is how they avoid losing water.
“This marks an exciting step toward more sustainably sourcing the highest quality agave for our renowned Casa Sauza tequila, ultimately benefiting the environment through the power of regenerative agriculture,” said Kim Marotta, Global VP of Environmental Sustainability at Beam Suntory.
The program is also part of Casa Suaza’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.
For instance, Casa Suaza is the tequila brand with the lowest water usage, and the brand is currently working to reduce water usage rates even further, along with energy usage and waste.
Examples of some of the latest steps towards more environmentally friendly practices is the brand’s switch from fuel oil to natural gas.
If the results of the one-year pilot program prove successful, it will likely be extended for another seven years.
Source: Carbon Herald