Objective

To restore a minimum of 1300 hectares of peatland by 2030 (enough to replenish the peat used to make their peated whiskies on an ongoing basis).

To develop large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects in Scotland.

Description

Beam Suntory are committed to restoring our peatlands and keeping them healthy for generations to come. Even though our operations account for a small fraction of Scotland’s total peat use, the habitat is critical to our spirits and must be shared with our communities. The peatlands also play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

In 2021, alongside our parent company, we launched the Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative in Scotland. Together, we’re investing more than  $4 million to restore and conserve 1,300 hectares of peatland by 2030 – enough to produce the peat we need every year to make our Scotch whiskies on an ongoing basis.

The first of several planned watershed conservation projects began near our Ardmore® distillery in November 2021. Initially, nearly 15 hectares of peatland will be restored, in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and the land manager, Forestry and Land Scotland.

Other sites near our Auchentoshan®, Glen Garioch®, Bowmore® and Laphroaig® distilleries are being assessed.

Partners

James Hutton Institute

Forestry and Land Scotland (land manager)

From 2024, Northern Peat & Moss (Funding and coordination partnership)

Results

As of December 2023: 14 hectares of peatland near the Ardmore distillery in Aberdeenshire and 70 hectares of peatland near the Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries on Islay have been restored. 160 hectares of restoration are currently in progress in partnership with RSPB Scotland in East Ayrshire.

Website

https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/proof-positive

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