Pour with Purpose — Boatyard Distillery’s Eco-Refill Pouches Reduce Waste With No Flavour Compromise
The Northern Ireland distillery, renowned for its organic, handcrafted gin, is further reducing its carbon footprint with innovative Eco-Refill Pouches and other sustainable practices.
10 November 2024
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An aerial shot of the distiller | Photo Credit: Boatyard Distiller
In the ever-growing conversation about sustainability, companies across the globe are evaluating their environmental impact. Traditionally reliant on glass and resource-intensive packaging, the spirits industry has also started to embrace eco-friendly practices, and Ireland’s Boatyard Distillery is leading by example. Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Boatyard Distillery has made a name for itself with its organic, handcrafted gin. With the introduction of their innovative Eco-Refill Pouches, they’re making strides to reduce their carbon footprint further while maintaining their commitment to quality.
Photo credit: Bootyard Distillery
A Spirit Of Sustainability
Their commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in the rural surroundings of North West Ireland, where the landscape of farms and farming culture inspires them to collaborate with organic producers. “We see organic farming as the best way to ensure the land remains fertile for future generations,” shares Declan McGurk, Commercial Director of Boatyard Distillery.
Photo Credit: Boatyard Distiller
Eco-friendly practices extend to every aspect of their business, from sourcing organic botanical ingredients to innovative packaging solutions that reduce carbon emissions. Their iconic bottle is crafted from extra-flint recycled glass, topped with a natural, unvarnished cork made from sustainably managed Portuguese forests. Labels are printed on recycled paper, while shipping is handled in Flexi-Hex packaging—100% recycled and entirely tree-free—eliminating plastic from the process altogether.
In early 2022, Boatyard Distillery proudly became the first Irish distillery to earn B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to high social and environmental standards.
Photo Credit: Boatyard Distillery
Small Idea, Big Impact
One of their latest eco-initiatives is the Eco-Refill Pouches, designed to provide a bulk solution for bars and restaurants while minimising environmental impact. The concept for these pouches and the refill stations at the distillery emerged organically. During a brainstorming session, a team member suggested a refill service, “Offering a refill service was seen as a way to reduce single-use glass and encourage customer engagement,” McGurk explained.
Inspired by this idea, Boatyard then developed eco pouches for larger-scale, off-site use. “The eco pouches came from a desire to create a similar function to the refill stations but for bars and venues,” said McGurk. Designed to meet the growing demand among bars for bulk ordering, the pouches offer an efficient, practical solution that also aligns with Boatyard’s sustainability goals.
Photo Credit: Boatyard Distillery
Benefits To Take Inspiration From
Compared to traditional glass bottles, the Eco-Refill Pouches have a much lighter environmental footprint. For a start, they use 84% less packaging and significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. With each pouch holding the equivalent of four bottles, the packaging weight is greatly reduced, which means less energy is required for transportation. “Collectively, the impact is quite tangible,” McGurk noted. “Carbon emissions for the Eco-Refill Pouches sit at 3.96kg versus 9.8kg for bottles.” This dramatic reduction underscores the effectiveness of the eco pouches in lowering Boatyard’s overall carbon footprint.
In designing the eco pouches, Boatyard partnered with Terracycle to ensure the materials used were both durable and sustainable. The pouches feature a liquid-safe, fully recyclable polymer with an inner foil layer that maintains the quality and taste of the spirits. This innovation ensures the spirits stay fresh and flavourful while offering a more eco-friendly alternative to glass. While the Eco-Refill Pouches are aimed at the hospitality industry for bulk use, the distillery continues to use glass bottles for consumers who prefer a more traditional and luxurious aesthetic for their home bars.
Photo Credit: Boatyard Distillery
On Trend & On Board
Since its launch, the pouches have been met with enthusiasm from both customers and the bar industry. “The bar industry appreciates the Eco-Refill Pouches,” McGurk noted, “and we are becoming a very on-trend brand within bars and restaurants, as they see we’re passionate about great liquid whilst ethically doing business.” Boatyard’s sustainability efforts have helped it stand out in a crowded market. It was recognised as one of the top 10 globally trending brands in the Drinks International 2024 Report.
At the distillery, the refill stations have become a popular attraction, with customers relishing the chance to be a part of Boatyard’s sustainability journey. Those who refill their bottles often become ambassadors, sharing their experience with friends and family and spreading the word about Boatyard’s eco-conscious mission.
At its core, Boatyard Distillery seamlessly balances its premium gin brand identity with a commitment to eco-conscious innovation. “We may still have to bang the drum as it isn’t everyone’s priority,” the distillery notes, “but soon, we will see the impact of generational change that will heighten, enforce, and reward those eco-mindsets.” As they look to the future, Boatyard is dedicated to building a “Boatyard tribe” of eco-conscious followers who share its values, fostering a community that supports sustainability in every pour.
Photo credit: Boatyard Distillery
Author: Hannah Tiong
Seasoned content designer and strategist, Hannah Tiong leverages 12 years in lifestyle journalism to craft impactful narratives. With bylines in The Business Times, Time Out, Epicure, and beyond, she brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of F&B industry.
