Istanbul, Türkiye
Reducing consumption and replenishing water
Reducing overall water consumption and enhancing water efficiency remain key priorities across our own sites - particularly in distilleries, where water use is most intensive. We continue to implement advanced technologies and circular practices to minimise our water footprint. For example, Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) is a heat recovery technology, which significantly helps to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, as well as reduce water use by reusing water vapour and minimising the use of cooling towers. We also deploy comprehensive water recycling and reuse solutions, including closed-loop systems and the recirculation of process water.
In recent years, we have made significant investments to improve water efficiency, for example within agricultural areas. Today, 100% of our irrigated vineyards now use drip irrigation. Looking ahead, we plan to further enhance our water stewardship by expanding regenerative agriculture practices. By improving soil health, these practices are expected to contribute to better water retention and overall water balance in our farming systems.
-15% Reduction in overall water consumption intensity (per unit of distilled alcohol) on our own sites vs. FY18
68% Replenishment of 68% water in watersheds for production sites and dedicated copackers located in high-risk areas
Beyond our own sites, we are replenishing water in high-risk areas, identifying key focus areas through a rigorous process based on detailed local data, to balance the water consumption of our operations. These initiatives are also about protecting and regenerating natural habitats by maintaining and restoring hedges, wetlands and other natural areas.
Pernod Ricard France, for example, is working to protect the Saint-Laurent-Blangy marsh, close to one of our production sites in northern France. We are partnering with the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels (CEN) to restore the natural balance of this area, making sure it stays resilient in the face of environmental changes.
In Mexico, House of Tequila is part of a collaborative project called “Charco Bendito” led by the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) which is also working to address water scarcity in the Jalisco region. By actively replenishing, restoring and protecting watersheds, we can support local ecosystems and communities while securing our own water supply.