A limited edition blended Scotch Whisky in sustainable packaging is to be presented to COP26 delegates and visitors.
Unveiled by the Scotch Whisky Association, the tipple will act as a representation of the whisky industry’s commitment to sustainability from ‘glass to grain’.
The whisky has a run of just 900 bottles, with them being made from 97% recycled glass, alongside a fully recyclable stopper made from natural cork, recycled wood and recycled cork particles.
Further to this, the label paper contains 55% post-consumer recycled fibres, including leftover barley from the production process, and the carton is made from 100% recycled fibres.
The whisky itself was blended in the host city of Glasgow, and is comprised of whiskies produced at 26 distilleries across Scotland’s whisky regions.
Earlier this year, Scotland’s whisky industry launched its new sustainability strategy, which commits the sector to reaching net zero emissions by 2040 as well as other ambitious environmental targets. Included in this is a targeted 75% reduction in waste to landfill, as well as a 22% improvement in water efficiency, and 34% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said, “The Scotch Whisky industry is renowned for its collaboration, and it’s been great to see distillers come together to create this unique whisky for COP26.
“The creation of our COP26 limited edition Scotch Whisky only goes to illustrate how well our sector is working together to tackle the climate crisis and to reduce our environmental impact.
“Based as we are across rural areas and in some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, we know we have a real responsibility to the future of the communities within which we work, and to the landscapes from which we draw the wholly natural ingredients that Scotch Whisky is made from. That is why we are investing so much in environmental sustainability, and why we are determined to reach the point where the Scotch Whisky industry and our supply chain have a net positive impact on the environment around us.”
A COP26 spokesperson added,“World leaders coming to Glasgow for COP26 will receive a warm UK welcome which will include the chance to sample a limited edition whisky blend produced sustainably in Scotland, especially for COP.
“The path towards a more sustainable future will only be achieved through collaboration across societies and sectors. The efforts of the Scotch whisky industry, which is world-renowned, to reach net zero is a great example of the change we need to see.”
