276: How Brown-Forman Focuses on Sustainability with a Global Spirits Portfolio

Our guest today is Andy Battjes, Brown-Forman's Director of Global Environmental Sustainability.  With responsibility over the company's diverse, global spirits portfolio, Andy is a company leader who drives their sustainability initiatives around the globe. Through his work over the last 18+ years, Battjes has guided Brown-Forman in targeting areas within the supply chain and beyond where they can implement green initiatives.  Brown-Forman (home to iconic brands such as Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Old Forester, Tequila Herradura, and Woodford Reserve) is working on making the world a little greener, one bottle at a time.Some of the largest initiatives of Brown-Forman include:White Oak Initiative: Brown-Forman has helped to spearhead the White Oak Initiative with the American Forest Foundation. While waiting for bourbon to mature can seem long, it takes 60 - 80 years for a white oak to mature to the point that it's good for a whiskey barrel. This creates a long term sustainability concern. The White Oak Initiative is a diverse coalition of partners committed to the long-term sustainability of America's white oak forests as well as the economic, social, and environmental benefits they provide.Sustainability from Farm to Bottle: Brown-Forman is committed to zero waste and transforming the way business is conducted using circularity principles, designing out waste, and keeping products and materials in use. From more sustainable packaging to watershed stewardship to creating a resilient, agile agricultural supply chain with regenerative farming practices, Brown-Forman is committed year-round to sustainability.Wind Powered Whiskey: Brown-Forman was the first US wine or spirits company to enter into a purchase power agreement and has since met their goal to offset more than 90% of electricity usage at U.S facilities through their investment into wind power from the Solomon Forks Wind Project. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast app and be sure to drop us a review while you're there. If you enjoy our content, consider giving us a 5 Star rating on your favorite podcast app, leave us a written review, and tell a fellow bourbon lover about our show.Follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X.  Also, consider supporting Bourbon Lens on Patreon for some of the behind the scenes, to earn Bourbon Lens swag, join the Bourbon Lens Tasting Club, and more. If you have any comments, questions, or guest suggestions, please email us at [email protected] out BourbonLens.com to read our blog posts, whiskey news, podcast archive, and whiskey reviews.Cheers,Scott and JakeBourbon Lens