Port Charlotte Islay Whisky removes secondary packaging

Bruichladdich Distillery is removing the outer packaging across its core single malt brands, starting with its heavily peated Port Charlotte range last month.

The distillery is eliminating unnecessary packaging in an effort to save carbon emissions, weight and waste, as part of its long-term vision and mission to be more sustainable across all processes.

With focus on reconnecting planet, people and spirit, as well as a community driven Islay-centric approach, the company continues to address its impact across all facets of the business, including  packaging and waste commitments.  Removing unnecessary secondary packaging from the full Port Charlotte range, means less steel will be used in the production of the outer tins, and while tin plate is among the most widely recycled materials, the decision to remove this packaging completely will eliminate energy use and emissions involved in production and transportation.

Last year, the distillery encouraged customers to go One Tin Lighter and opt-out of receiving secondary packaging with their whisky purchase. Building on this initiative, completely removing all outer packaging is the next step to eventually eradicating all unnecessary, secondary packaging across the portfolio.

Bruichladdich Distillery CEO Douglas Taylor, said: “We’ve become accustomed to thinking that single malt Scotch must come with outer packaging as standard, while premium gins, vodkas and mezcals are readily bought without additional packaging. Whilst the outer packaging of our Port Charlotte brand is both beautiful and recyclable, the need to act and influence a shift-change in perceptions of quality feels increasingly necessary. Removing it completely is the right thing to do.

“When we launched our One Tin Lighter initiative reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with some customers insisting that an option to simply opt-out on our web-shop wasn’t enough. As a B Corp certified company, we are part of a movement to use our business as a force for good, making conscious decisions that will positively impact our people, local community and the planet.”

Port Charlotte single malt is 100% conceived, distilled, matured and bottled on Islay, providing career opportunities for the local community that would otherwise be outsourced. The distillery is the island’s largest private employer with more than 70 permanent staff.

Port Charlotte single malts are peated to a heavyweight 40PPM. Trickle distilled through tall, narrow-necked stills.