We are excited to share that Distinct Distillers has been shortlisted for the prestigious IWSC Green Spirit Initiative, recognising our groundbreaking efforts in sustainable spirits production. This recognition underscores our commitment to not only reducing our environmental footprint but also contributing to regenerative farming practices across the UK.
Pioneering a Circular Economy in Distilling
When it comes to sustainability within the distilling world, much of the attention is often directed towards high-profile issues like renewable energy, carbon emissions, and alternative packaging. While these are undoubtedly critical, there is an even more pressing, silent crisis that we at Distinct are committed to improving….. soil health.
Soil is one of our greatest assets and if healthy it supports 95% of global food production, houses over 25% of the world’s biodiversity, and stores three times more carbon than the atmosphere. However, due to unsustainable farming practices, our soil health is rapidly degrading. Experts warn that we could lose up to 90% of topsoil (the most fertile soil) by 2050 which would reduce our global food production by 30% leading to catastrophic consequences for food security.
Through our innovative approach to spirits production, we are addressing this silent crisis head-on. By distilling rum from sugar cane molasses, we discovered a unique way to integrate regenerative agriculture into our production process. Our circular economy approach not only reduces waste but transforms it into valuable resources that improve soil health.
Sustainable Spirits and Regenerative Farming: A Perfect Pairing
With over 50 years of expertise in agriculture and crop nutrition, we recognised the opportunity to link our two industries—distilling and farming—in a way that could make a meaningful impact. By working closely with QLF Agronomy, we’ve developed a revolutionary fertiliser derived from our fermented waste, which is now being used to improve soil health and increase crop yields across the country.
This fertiliser is not your average product. It works by feeding the microbes in the soil rather than the plants directly, making it far more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. The results speak for themselves:
- Improved Crop Yield & Quality: Nutrients become more accessible to plants, improving both their growth and quality.
- Enhanced Soil Fertility: Healthy soils naturally reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, promoting long-term sustainability.
- Carbon Sequestration: Our approach helps turn soil into a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Increased Biodiversity: A thriving soil ecosystem boosts plant resilience and diversity, crucial for regenerating farmlands.
With over 200,000 litres of fermented waste used so far, the benefits of our fertiliser are experienced across the UK with increased crop yields across Wheat, Maize and Potatoes. The more rum we produce, the more we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for UK farming.
Closing the Loop: A Commitment to Sustainable Production
Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond regenerative farming. At Distinct, we're continuously refining our processes to minimise waste and conserve resources. Some key initiatives include:
- Heat Recovery: We capture up to 77% of energy from our distilling process through innovative heat recovery systems.
- Water Reuse: Water used for cooling in the distillation process is recycled, reducing pressure on local water systems.
- Molasses Distribution: Partnering with a leading molasses importer, we leverage existing distribution networks, further lowering our environmental impact.
A Vision for a Low-Waste Future
At Distinct Distillers, we believe that waste is not a problem—it’s an opportunity. By continually seeking ways to upcycle by-products and collaborate across industries, we're creating a more sustainable and regenerative economy. Our journey to craft premium spirits is inseparable from our mission to nurture the planet, and we’re honored to be recognised for these efforts by the IWSC Green Spirit Initiative.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our goal: crafting world-class spirits while playing an active role in the fight to protect and restore our planet’s soil health. With every bottle, we are contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
