Scotch whisky industry joins plastic straw pledges

By Rachel Arthur

- Last updated on GMT

Pic: getty/alexandernovikov
Pic: getty/alexandernovikov
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will phase out use of plastic straws and stirrers, following similar commitments made by Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Bacardi.

The SWA’s environmental strategy has already set out plans that by 2020 all product packaging will be 100% recyclable. It says the commitment to phase out plastic straws and stirrers and replace them with new environmentally friendly biodegradable alternatives is a ‘logical extension’ of that goal.

It hopes that the pledge will encourage its members to follow suit.

SWA Chief Executive Karen Betts said: "It is encouraging to see Scotch Whisky producers taking steps to phase out unnecessary plastics. We hope that this SWA commitment will lead to the industry uniting behind biodegradable alternatives so that Scotch Whisky cocktails can continue to be enjoyed without discarded plastics continuing to have a damaging impact on land as well as at sea."

Other commitments under the SWA’s environmental strategy include reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; prioritizing effective water management; embracing a circular economy in the supply chain; and promoting sustainable land use. 

Related topics Processing & packaging Beer & cider

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