ecoSPIRITS has announced that it has signed a Licensed Operator Agreement with Bermuda Gin Co., which will bring circular spirits technology to a small island nation for the first time.
As part of the new partnership, Bermuda Gin Co.’s Pink House Gin and White Roof Gin will join the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program and become available across Bermuda in ecoTOTE™ format. ecoSPIRITS will also release a special Ocean Conservation edition ecoTOTE™ to call attention to the impact C02 emissions are having on sea levels, and the severe threat this poses to life in island nations worldwide.
Bermuda is a collection of 181 islands located more than 1,000 kilometres off the east coast of the United States in the North Atlantic Ocean. Home to a population of just over 60,000, the island is a vibrant tourist destination and a major insurance and reinsurance hub, famous for its pink sand beaches and clear, cerulean blue ocean waters. Like other island nations, Bermuda is threatened by rising sea levels, which are one of the most severe impacts of climate change. The island has a long and successful history with conservation efforts, dating back to a 1623 law passed to protect the local turtle population.
Founded in Bermuda in 2019 by long-time insurance executive and gin lover, Roy Fellowes, Bermuda Gin Co. is a family-owned and operated producer on a mission to put Bermuda on the world gin map by producing locally inspired gins to capture the spirit and uniqueness of Bermuda itself. The gin recipes were created around the kitchen table in Paget, Bermuda by Roy, his wife Susan and daughter Kristyn and are inspired by island life. Each gin features botanicals common to Bermuda, such as hibiscus and prickly pear.
Under the new partnership with ecoSPIRITS, Bermuda Gin Co. will take delivery of ecoPLANT No. 026, which will be sited in Bermuda and offer closed loop service from October 2021. Under the ecoSPIRITS Licensed Operator Program, ecoSPIRITS service will be made available to bars, restaurants and hotels across the Island as well as other spirits brands, distributors, and wholesalers who are active in the Bermuda market and wish to join the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program.
“As the world’s largest property catastrophe reinsurance market, Bermuda knows more than most countries about sustainability and climate risk. At Bermuda Gin Co. we want to do our part in protecting the local environment and we have identified a tried and tested technology that will significantly reduce waste and carbon emissions in the local spirits drinks industry,” notes Fellowes, “We are delighted to introduce the ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology to Bermuda. I have no doubt ecoSPIRITS’ mission to eliminate single use glass bottles will resonate with local businesses and consumers. Working together, we will eliminate single use glass one very tasty Bermuda Gin & Tonic at a time.”
“This is a revolutionary move in the right direction for our industry. One of the key goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change is that carbon emissions should be reduced as soon as possible. ecoSPIRITS provides a unique and sustainable way for the hospitality and service industry to do its part,” says Morrison, “Living on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with its wonderful and all important ecosystem, shows proudly as to why this is so important. Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is proud to lead the way and partner with Bermuda Gin Co. in bringing this technology to Bermuda.”
To coincide with the launch of closed loop service in Bermuda, ecoSPIRITS will release a special limited edition ecoTOTE™calling attention to the dire threat climate change poses to low-lying islands. The ecoTOTE 3.0S Ocean Conservation Edition, with an ocean blue enclosure, will be available only in island nations around the world.
As a complement to the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, each Ocean Conservation Edition ecoTOTE™ will support a new ocean waste recovery program managed by Green Steps Group, ecoSPIRITS’ global C02 mitigation partners. Under this new ecoSPIRITS Oceans Program, each order of an Ocean Conservation Edition ecoTOTE™ by venue partners will fund the removal of one kilogram of single use plastic, glass and other man-made waste from protected beaches, coral reefs and waters.
Under the ecoSPIRITS Oceans Program, Green Steps Group will use its proprietary technology interface to mobilise, monitor and quantify ocean waste removal from protected marine areas. Recovered ocean waste will be photographed, weighed and logged on the technology platform, providing certified impact and improving marine and beach environments for locals and tourists alike.
“ecoSPIRITS has long been mindful of the special impact that single use packaging and the associated carbon emissions are having on island nations. As we begin to add island markets to the ecoSPIRITS global network, ecoSPIRITS will work alongside our Licensed Operators like Bermuda Gin Co. to have a positive impact by reducing local packaging waste and restoring marine environments,” says Kastanek, “We will also use our voice in the industry to call attention to the impact that single use glass packaging in larger markets is having on these fragile island ecosystems.”
ecoSPIRITS closed loop service will be available in Bermuda from October 2021. Bars, restaurants, hotels, distributors and brands that are interested in joining the ecoSPIRITS Climate Partner Program in Bermuda can get in touch via email at ecoSPIRITS Bermuda or Bermuda Gin Co.