Bacardi's green initiatives win national US award
Bacardi USA has been recognised by the government for its work on reducing energy use in its distribution business.
The US arm of the leading global drinks business was awarded a SmartWay Excellence Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency at an event on October 13 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Over the last nine years, Bacardi has made huge strides in reducing its energy usage and developing more energy-efficient transport strategies for its supply chain.
Since 2006 it has eliminated some 28% of the nonrenewable energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from its production process.
Bacardi has also reduced the weight of its packaging by more than 7%, which has the same impact as taking 1,100 full truckloads off the road.
The company has partnered with sustainable logistics business Ryder Solutions to reduce carbon emissions from its haulage fleet by 20%.
In 2009, 65% of shipments out of its Jacksonville, Florida, bottling facility were over the road. Now 65% are by rail.
The company has also adopted more environmentally friendly haulage carriers and now uses uses battery operated forklifts and motion sensing lighting in its warehouses.
Enrique Gomez, vice-president of operations for Bacardi USA, said: "The EPA's SmartWay programme vision is clearly embodied in the environmental and sustainability mission statement of Bacardi. We strive to transport our premium spirits in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while reducing the impacts of climate change at every level of our operation. We are honored to be recognized by such a highly respected organization for a cause we are so committed to."
Since 2004, the EPA's SmartWay initiative has saved the country some 144.3 million barrels of oil and $20.6 billion in fuel costs.
Bacardi is also a member of Green Freight Europe, the European sister organization of SmartWay.
For more information on Green Freight Europe, visit the organisation's website here.
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