As the world raises a collective glass to more sustainable practices, the global spirits industry finds itself at a crucial juncture. Faced with environmental concerns and growing consumer demand for ethical products, brands like Latvia's ŌBDO are leading a green revolution in the beverage sector. In the midst of this transformative wave, ŌBDO's story of sustainability will be shared with like-minded front-runners at the Baltic Sustainability Forum on December 7th, where attendees can experience the harmony of quality, taste, and eco-consciousness firsthand.
The Baltic Sustainability Awards stands as a beacon of change, championing the mission to raise awareness and educate on sustainable practices. It's a space where learning and innovation converge, inspiring action and highlighting stories of those who lead by example. Today, we turn the spotlight on ŌBDO, a Latvian gin distillery that embodies the spirit of this mission, demonstrating that the path to sustainability can be as refined as the spirits we enjoy.
ŌBDO is a London Dry style gin that stands for quality and sustainability. With a commitment to using natural ingredients and eco-friendly processes, ŌBDO is making a positive impact in the spirits industry. In this article, we will explore the environmental and social challenges faced by the industry, the company's approach to sustainable sourcing, and their innovative initiatives to minimize waste. Join us on this journey to discover the ŌBDO sustainability story.
The Environmental and Social Challenges in the Spirits Industry
The spirits industry, like many others, faces significant environmental and social challenges. From the sourcing of botanicals to the packaging and transportation of the final product, there are numerous opportunities to improve sustainability practices. One of the key issues is the excessive use of resources, such as water and energy, during the production process. Additionally, the industry often relies on ingredients that are not sustainably sourced, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Another challenge is the waste generated throughout the production and packaging processes. Glass bottles, labels, and packaging materials contribute to the industry's carbon footprint. Furthermore, the social impact of the spirits industry should not be overlooked. Fair trade practices and supporting local communities are essential for creating a sustainable and ethical supply chain.
To address these challenges, companies like OBDO are implementing sustainability initiatives focusing on responsible sourcing, eco-friendly production methods, and waste reduction.
ŌBDO's Approach to Sustainable Sourcing and Eco-friendly Distillation
ŌBDO takes pride in its commitment to sourcing botanicals and ingredients sustainably. The company showcases the heritage of Latvia and the Nordic region by infusing their gin with 70% locally sourced botanicals from small farms. These botanicals include rare herbs used in traditional medicine, which are handpicked at optimal harvesting times. By supporting small farms, ŌBDO contributes to the local economy and ensures the preservation of traditional farming practices.
To minimize waste and avoid the expiration of botanicals, ŌBDO purchases them in small quantities and stores them dry until they are needed for gin batches. This approach not only reduces waste but also ensures that each botanical maintains its freshness and flavor.
In terms of distillation, ŌBDO employs eco-friendly processes. The distillation is carried out using 96% neutral spirit, which is a quality designation. All 22 ingredients and flavors are natural plant materials added during the distillation process. After distillation, only spring water is added to the gin, ensuring a pure and natural taste.
Packaging and Waste Reduction Initiatives
ŌBDO recognizes that packaging plays a significant role in the environmental impact of the spirits industry. To address this issue, the company has made conscious decisions regarding their packaging materials. The gin is packaged in glass bottles, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also recyclable. The labels on the bottles are simple matt paper with minimal use of color, reducing the environmental footprint of the packaging.
For the non-alcoholic spirit, ŌBDO uses deposit bottles, encouraging customers to return the bottles for reuse. This approach reduces single-use plastic waste and promotes a circular economy.
In addition, ŌBDO has taken steps to minimize the waste generated during production. As the gin production volume increased, so did the botanical leftovers after distillation and the usage of glass bottles. To address this issue, ŌBDO started testing the distilled botanicals for additional side product development, such as chocolate and jam. By repurposing the botanicals, the company minimizes waste and creates new products that showcase the unique flavors of their gin.
Furthermore, ŌBDO is in the final stages of redesigning their bottles. The new bottle design will be larger in size and made from secondary glass, which reduces the need for new glass production. The label and packaging will be minimized to reduce waste further. The goal is to create a design that attracts consumers and encourages them to keep the bottle as a keepsake rather than disposing of it or transforming it into drinking glasses for an additional fee. The new design and side products are planned to launch in January 2024, marking another milestone in ŌBDO's sustainability journey.
The ŌBDO sustainability story is one of commitment and innovation. By addressing the environmental and social challenges in the spirits industry, ŌBDO is setting an example for sustainable practices. From sourcing botanicals locally and sustainably to using eco-friendly distillation processes, ŌBDO is dedicated to minimizing their environmental footprint. Their initiatives to repurpose botanical leftovers and redesign their bottles further demonstrate their commitment to waste reduction.
A Shared Vision at the Baltic Sustainability Awards
The Baltic Sustainability Awards and Forum is more than an event; it's a confluence of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. It's here that ŌBDO's sustainability story aligns with the broader narrative of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. As attendees converge on December 7th, they'll not only engage with thought leaders but also indulge in the experiential journey of ŌBDO, where every sip is a step towards a more sustainable future.
Join us as we explore ŌBDO's path to sustainability, a path that mirrors the spirits industry's broader shift towards eco-conscious production and ethical sourcing. It's a tale of transformation, taste, and the future of spirits, served up with a side of hope and innovation at the Baltic Sustainability Awards.
Claim your ticket now - https://www.balticsustainabilityawards.eu/.
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