The Scotch Whisky Association has unveiled a limited edition blended Scotch Whisky to be enjoyed by world leaders, delegates and visitors to the COP26 conference.
The whisky, which has a run of just 900 bottles, represents the Scotch Whisky industry’s commitment to sustainability from grain to glass, and will be presented to negotiators gathering in Glasgow in November.
To mark the 26th annual Conference of the Parties, the COP26 limited edition Scotch Whisky has been blended and bottled in the host city of Glasgow, and is comprised of whiskies produced at 26 distilleries across Scotland’s five Whisky regions.
The bottle is made from 97% recycled glass, with a fully recyclable stopper created from natural cork, recycled wood and recycled cork particles. The label paper contains 55% post-consumer recycled fibres, including leftover barley from the production process, and the carton is made from 100% recycled fibres.
The whisky has been created to showcase the Scotch Whisky industry’s sustainability commitments.
Earlier this year the industry launched its new Sustainability Strategy, which commits the sector to reaching net zero emissions by 2040, as well as to other ambitious environmental targets.
The strategy builds on progress already made across the Scotch Whisky industry over the last 10 years, including a 34% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a 22% improvement in water efficiency, and a 75% reduction in waste to landfill. In recognition of the industry’s commitment to sustainability, the Scotch Whisky Association was recently confirmed as an official Race to Zero partner by the United Nations COP26 Climate Champions team, a global campaign which commits non-government sectors to reducing the impact of climate change.
Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association said: ‘The Scotch Whisky industry is renowned for its collaboration, and it’s been great to see distillers come together to create this unique whisky for COP26.
‘The creation of our COP26 limited edition Scotch Whisky only goes to illustrate how well our sector is working together to tackle the climate crisis and to reduce our environmental impact. Companies are deeply committed to this endeavour – which is critical to the industry’s future – and to sharing expertise and innovation as they do so.
‘Based as we are across rural areas and in some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, we know we have a real responsibility to the future of the communities within which we work, and to the landscapes from which we draw the wholly natural ingredients that Scotch Whisky is made from.
‘That is why we are investing so much in environmental sustainability, and why we are determined to reach the point where the Scotch Whisky industry and our supply chain have a net positive impact on the environment around us.’
A COP26 Spokesperson said: ‘World leaders coming to Glasgow for COP26 will receive a warm UK welcome which will include the chance to sample a limited edition whisky blend produced sustainably in Scotland, especially for COP.
‘The path towards a more sustainable future will only be achieved through collaboration across societies and sectors. The efforts of the Scotch whisky industry, which is world-renowned, to reach net zero is a great example of the change we need to see.’
The bottle label has been printed by Eurostampa UK in Glasgow. The paper is Fasson rCrush which is fully FSC accredited, containing 55% post-consumer recycled fibres, including leftover barley from the production process.
The presentation carton for the COP26 whisky is made and printed by Beamglow in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. The board selected is Crusade Ecco which is formed 100% from recycled fibres. It also benefits from a very low carbon footprint.
Outer cases for the COP26 whisky have been made by Smurfit Kappa in Tannochside, and is FSC accredited, fully recyclable and made from 73% recycled content. The company produce packaging that is 100% recyclable and made from a renewable resource, and plays a role in collecting used packaging, reusing more than 90% of this material in a closed loop business model.
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