ATAÑO, Puerto Rico – Bacardi has today announced the introduction of cutting-edge technology that promises to deliver a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the iconic rum brand. A revolutionary Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system was unveiled at a ceremony that took place at the world’s largest premium rum distillery, nestled in Cataño, Puerto Rico.
“As a family-owned company, we take great responsibility in safeguarding the legacy of generations to come,” declared a representative from Bacardi, underlining the company’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
The groundbreaking CHP system effectively replaces heavy fuel oil with clean-burning propane gas, signalling a significant shift towards more eco-friendly energy sources. This innovative system will be responsible for generating 100% of the energy required to power the entire campus, encompassing the distillery, administrative offices, and the Casa BACARDÍ visitor center – a major tourist attraction on the island.
The 50% reduction in GHG emissions signifies a major leap forward in Bacardi’s global mission to reduce emissions. The company has set its sights on achieving the same reduction in GHG emissions worldwide by 2025, spanning all facets of its business.
“At Bacardi, we are dedicated to curbing our GHG emissions by enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning to the most sustainable energy sources at our production facilities. We are consistently exploring innovative ways to make more significant strides towards our ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero emissions across all our sites,” expressed Edwin Zayas, Vice President of Operations for Bacardi Corporation in Puerto Rico. “We take pride in our sustainability efforts both in Puerto Rico and worldwide to promote greener and cleaner energy practices.”
Bacardi’s distillery in Puerto Rico has been leading the way with environmentally friendly practices, which include:
- Biogas Generation: Through wastewater treatment, the distillery generates biogas that powers distillation processes and produces electricity, accounting for over 60% of the distillery’s energy needs.
- Environmental Impact Mitigation: A new treatment system has been implemented to purify biogas and minimize environmental impacts.
- Heat Recovery: An impressive 95% of the heat generated during distillation is captured and repurposed, effectively reducing energy consumption.
- CO2 Capture: Bacardi is embarking on a new initiative to capture CO2 emissions from the fermentation process and supply it to the local sparkling drinks industry.
- Supporting Local Wildlife: The company is actively involved in planting and maintaining pollinator gardens to support local wildlife in Puerto Rico. This commitment to environmental stewardship has earned Bacardi recognition and conservation certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council, an achievement that has been re-certified three times. Bacardi remains the only initiative on the island to hold WHC certification.
Magaly Feliciano, Global Sustainability Director, emphasized, “As a family-owned company, we take great responsibility in protecting the legacy of generations to come. The work we are doing today will contribute to building a more sustainable future for our people and the planet.”
As part of its Corporate Responsibility program, Good Spirited, and in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Bacardi has established a series of ambitious targets to be achieved by 2025. These global objectives, in addition to the company’s pledge to be 100% plastic-free by 2030, include:
- A 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at Bacardi production facilities.
- A 25% decrease in water consumption at Bacardi production sites.
- Sourcing 100% of key raw materials and packaging sustainably.
- Making 100% of product packaging recyclable.
- Achieving 40% recycled content in product packaging materials.
- A commitment to zero waste to landfill at all Bacardi production sites.
