The SWA’s Environmental Strategy – first launched in 2009 and the only one of its kind covering an entire Scottish sector – set a series of ambitious targets, including a commitment that by 2020 all product packaging will be 100% recyclable.

The commitment of the SWA to phase out the use of plastic straws and stirrers and replace them with new environmentally friendly biodegrable alternatives is a logical extension of that goal. The SWA will also encourage members to follow suit, and Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Bacardi have already announced that they will takes steps to use biodegradable alternatives across their businesses.

Commenting, SWA Chief Executive Karen Betts said:

“The Scotch Whisky industry takes sustainability very seriously. Through our Environment Strategy, the industry is taking action to reduce its impact on the environment, including action to reduce non-fossil fuel use, increase recycling and ensure efficient use of water.

“Our commitment to phasing out the use of all plastic straws and stirrers from all our offices, industry and events is yet another signal of our commitment to the environment.

“It is encouraging to see Scotch Whisky producers taking steps to phase out unnecessary plastics. We hope that this SWA commitment will lead to the industry uniting behind biodegradable alternatives so that Scotch Whisky cocktails can continue to be enjoyed without discarded plastics continuing to have a damaging impact on land as well as at sea.”