Here at Kettle Creek, which is soon to become an operating distillery (and is currently a plan), we believe that sustainability is an achievable goal. And we are planning everything to that end. We will be using local grains, fruit, herbs, etc. Or, if we need to import, we are sourcing the most sustainable products. These products should be fair- trade, or the producers or growers should also be making an attempt to be as sustainable as possible.
We are considering and acting on what happens with our waste, and are building to reduce, reuse or recycle waste from spent grains, CO2, water and heat.
We will have bottle recycling at the distillery. We will recycle your alcohol bottles, ANY alcohol bottles, as well as our own.
Which leads me to a question.
Given that our vodka and other spirits will be made with the highest-quality ingredients, using no artificial ingredients or colours, and manufactured with an extremely high level of care, is there a place for a plastic bottle in this scenario? Or a Bag in Box? We are going to sell mini kegs. And also to allow bulk purchases which the purchaser can bottle as needed.
The up-side of plastic is a lower carbon footprint both if we buy the bottles or make them in-house. It also costs less to ship them filled. Savings can be passed along to the consumer.
The down-side is how do you make plastic look like a luxury? There are so many vodkas on the market that consumers are buying based on the design of the bottle and the label. It's all about the branding. And since most people buy their vodka to mix, not to sip, the branding is likely the most important part of the purchase to the non-connoisseur. Does it look good on the home bar? Have my friends heard about this brand and do we perceive it as a Premium product?
I would be interested in people's thoughts about this.
