Greensand Ridge, the craft distillery near Shipbourne in the Weald of Kent, has been recognised in the annual Spirits Business awards with the 2019 Distillery Sustainability Award
Greensand Ridge, the craft distillery near Shipbourne in the Weald of Kent, has been recognised in the annual Spirits Business awards with the 2019 Distillery Sustainability Award.
The award, which covers global spirits brands, shortlisted distilleries which prioritise a reduction in environmental impact and a commitment to sustainable practices. Judges recognised the distillery's work in becoming the first UK carbon-neutral distillery, but put particular emphasis on the complete approach that Greensand Ridge takes to sustainability.
"Greensand Ridge impressed us with their holistic approach to sustainability,'' said David T Smith, one of the judging panel. "Across energy use, water, chemicals, waste or raw material sourcing, any of these could have got Greensand Ridge on the shortlist, but it is the fact that they impress over all of those things that deservedly won them the award."
The Kent-based distillery was launched in 2015 with the aim of being ultra-low impact on the environment while also having a positive impact by using surplus produce from local farmers, such as plums and apples which supermarkets can't take.
"It's fantastic to be recognised for the breadth of work we do" says Greensand Ridge founder and distiller, Will Edge. "Individual headline achievements can be really engaging, but sometimes the most difficult work is also the least sexy."
