Beam Suntory Launches Program to Improve Carbon Capture
Premium spirits maker Beam Suntory is launching a first-of-its-kind pilot program within the tequila industry to explore regenerative agricultural practices in the agave fields near its Casa Sauza operations in Jalisco, Mexico.
The program has the potential to reveal new opportunities to improve carbon capture and supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive sustainability agenda and commitment to achieving net zero emissions in direct operations by 2030.
Results from the pilot program, which is inspired and supported by parent company Japan’s Suntory Holdings’ Growing for Good initiative, are anticipated by the end of its first year of study, with the potential to extend for an additional seven years.
In partnership with environmental professional services company Red BioTerra, the pilot program will explore methods of maximizing carbon capture in agave fields by introducing additional plants, which absorb carbon during the day, between rows of agave, which absorbs carbon at night to avoid water loss.
If successful, this method is expected to neutralize 50% of Casa Sauza’s emissions by 2026, and 100% by 2030.
The pilot program is the latest development in Casa Sauza’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The tequila brand has one of the industry’s lowest water usage rates and is working toward further reducing water, energy and waste at its facilities through continuous production improvements and new technologies – including switching from fuel oil to natural gas.
“Caring for the environment is a core value in our pursuit to produce the finest tequila,” said Servando Calderon, General Manager Tequila Operations, Casa Sauza. “We are proud to be kicking off this new pilot program, which has the potential to capture more than 36,800 tons of carbon per year – leading to healthier soil, increased biodiversity and reduced soil erosion.”
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