EDWARD SNELL & CO. IS TOASTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Edward Snell’s motto is “the pursuit of greatness for good”, and the company is charting a more holistic approach to growth.

Through corporate social responsibility (CSI) and environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, we are fostering inclusive and wholesome relationships with stakeholders throughout the supply chain. Our internal improvements are aimed at future-proofing the business and ensuring it is on track for a sustainable future.

Reduce, reuse or recycle: water sustainability

Water is central to a business’ life, and particularly for a spirits manufacturer as it is a key ingredient in its products. Following an operations analysis, we decided to overhaul our bottle rinsing system which previously consumed and wasted the largest amounts of water. The new design significantly improved our water retention capability and has delivered water savings of up to 80%.

In addition, a wastewater plant has been commissioned at our Isando production facility. All liquid waste is channelled to the plant where it is reprocessed and used for cleaning and in ablution facilities.

Solid waste

One of the central challenges faced by the alcoholic spirits manufacturing industry is that it produces single-use products (SUPs), which are often disposed of in landfills. 

Solid waste is more difficult to recycle, and currently, we are recycling 75% of such waste. Through innovations such as alternative product designs, we are striving to improve this figure by 15%.

Energy generation

Loadshedding has dire consequences for every part of our society. To future-proof our company, our newest distribution centre in Johannesburg will utilise solar power, bringing our total of sustainably-powered distribution centres to three (Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg).

Leading the industry

Edward Snell supports and participates in the Glass Recycling Company and the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) because we believe a consequential sustainability drive requires industry-wide buy-in.

We have also embarked on a journey to attain ISO 14001 certification, continuing our commitment to the best global standards and practices.

Empowering the community

K1 recycling is a township-based recycling company, based in Katlehong that was absorbed into Edward Snell’s enterprise development programme. K1 is one of the biggest buyers and sellers of all kinds of waste scrap in that local community and teaches residents about the green economy. 

In townships, many families survive on collecting recyclables, having more people collecting waste means a cleaner environment while indirectly creating much-needed employment.

Addressing South Africa’s irresponsible drinking culture

South Africa has the sixth-highest adult per capita consumption in ml of absolute alcohol. Put differently, the country has a drinking culture that threatens its future prosperity.

For these reasons we fully support and participate in Aware.Org and its efforts to create a socially responsible drinking culture. As a manufacturer, we will continue to support this agenda through innovation and education. Our partnership with Lyres, the world’s leading non-alcoholic spirits manufacturer, is another pioneering way we are seeking to help consumers drink more responsibly.