Sustainability in Distilling
The distilling industry in South Australia is a vibrant and growing sector, recognised for its innovation in spirits production and its commitment to sustainability.
With over 100 spirit producers currently operating, the industry not only contributes significantly to the State’s economy through sales and employment but enhances tourism with Distillery Doors offering unique visitor experiences.
Future growth projections could see the number of local producers grow to 150 and industry sales triple by 2031, with 2,300 South Australians employed by the sector.
Sustainability is a core value for South Australian distillers, who have pledged as a sector to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 (Spirits Industry Blueprint, 2022).
This commitment to sustainability is crucial, considering the industry’s energy and resource usage and carbon emissions, particularly from energy needed for distilling and its use of glass bottles.
The Australian Government also recently passed laws for mandatory sustainability reporting by Australian businesses. Over the next several years many Australian businesses will be required to annually report their Scope 1, 2 and/or 3 (GHG) emissions.
Distillers SA secured funding from Green Industries SA in 2023 under the Lead Educate Assistant Promote (LEAP) grant program. This funding enabled Distillers SA to develop the Distillers Guide to Sustainability (a series of 11 practical self-guided training modules into implementing sustainability initiatives into spirit production.
A second round of LEAP funding has been granted to Distillers SA in 2025 to implement a practical sustainability in distilling training and mentoring program for up to 30 SA distilleries. This program will be delivered in partnership with 2XE.
Downloadable Sustainability in Distilling Guides
11 free, downloadable educational modules has been developed for South Australian distillers. The modules are self-guided and provide distillers with information about sustainability concepts and principles, as well as practical examples to assist in improving energy and resource efficiency, reducing GHG emissions and waste, and minimising environmental impact in spirit production.
2026 Distillers SA Sustainability in Distilling Program
Distillers South Australia is inviting expressions of interest from SA distilleries to participate in their Sustainability in Distilling program in 2026.
This free practical program supports distilleries to build capability in sustainability, improve their energy and water efficiency, reduce waste and emissions in their operations. It includes workshops and individual business mentoring with our sustainability delivery partners, 2XE.
EOI closes COB 31 October 2025. Applications and places in the program will be assessed and allocated in order of submission. Places are limited.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete online. Progress cannot be saved so it is suggested you prepare your answers before hand. Preview questions.
