Chivas Brothers submits plans for carbon neutral Islay distillery

Chivas brothers has announced plans for a carbon-neutral distillery on Islay, marking its first venture on the whisky-rich island. 

Chivas Brothers, part of the Pernod Ricard group, has submitted a planning application to build a new distillery on Islay. The proposed site, located at Gartbreck Farm near Bowmore, is set to operate as a carbon-neutral facility from its launch, should the plans receive approval.

The Scotch whisky producer, best known for brands like Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, and The Glenlivet, recently confirmed the application to Argyll and Bute Council. This marks Chivas Brothers’ first venture on Islay, a region renowned for its whisky heritage and longstanding distilling traditions.

Brian MacAulay, production director at Chivas Brothers, told db: “We can confirm we have now submitted a planning permission application to Argyll and Bute Council for a site at Gartbreck Farm in Islay, which, consistent with our vision to shape the future of sustainable Scotch, will be carbon neutral in distillery operation from day one.”

He continued: “We will work closely with the community and local authorities to ensure that all voices are heard through this process, in order to create a distillery that the people of Islay can be proud of, while minimising and mitigating any direct or indirect impact on residents. We will await a decision on our application before further announcements are made.”

A bigger mission

The proposal highlights the increasing focus on sustainability in Scotch whisky production, following other recent sustainable distillery initiatives in recent years. 

If approved, the distillery will incorporate technologies to minimise carbon emissions, aligning with Pernod Ricard’s wider commitment to achieve net-zero operations by 2050.

The move comes as the whisky industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, with distilleries across Scotland exploring renewable energy and other eco-friendly initiatives.

Islay, home to some of the world’s most celebrated Scotch brands, has seen an uptick in distillery developments in recent years. However, new projects on the island often face scrutiny due to concerns about their impact on local infrastructure, natural resources, and residents.

Chivas Brothers has stated it will engage with the community and local authorities to address any concerns.

This project would see Chivas Brothers join other major players in Islay’s whisky scene, which includes iconic distilleries such as Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Bowmore. The addition of a new distillery by one of Scotch whisky’s largest producers could further enhance Islay’s reputation as a key whisky-making region, though some may question the practical challenges of balancing production growth with sustainability goals.

As the company awaits the outcome of its planning application, no timeline has been provided for when construction might begin or when the distillery could become operational.

The project represents a significant potential step for Chivas Brothers but will ultimately depend on approval from local authorities and acceptance by the island community.

Related news

DISCUS issues tariff plea to Trump

Formerly dormant distillery releases 10-year-old whisky

Johnnie Walker releases new Lunar New Year Blue Label design