Sustainability Spotlight | Hattiers Rum
Find out how Hattiers Rum is raising the bar in sustainable spirits in our latest Spotlight.
Established in 2017 by Philip Everett-Lyons, Hattiers Rum is an independently owned B Corp certified rum house based in South Devon, crafting refined blended aged rums rooted in the principles of sustainable luxury.
From the very beginning, they set out to prove that exceptional quality and environmental responsibility can exist side-by-side.
As Europe's first B Corp rum and a proud member of 1% For The Planet, they keep ethical practice and positive impact at the centre of everything they do while contributing to the local community and inspiring progress across the drinks industry.
What have you done to make your business more sustainable?
At Hattiers, sustainability is not a project or campaign - it is the backbone of how we operate and grow. Over the last year, we have focused on meaningful innovation that reduces environmental impact and sets a new benchmark for responsible spirits production.
We are currently working towards changes to our glass bottle to reduce its weight by more than 30% while incorporating post consumer recycled glass, significantly cutting resource use and carbon emissions.
We also plan to introduce in the near future aluminium miniatures made from recycled material, alongside reusable refill pouches and a bag-in-box format for the on-trade to eliminate the single use glass, often emptied on arrival for pre-batched cocktails. These packaging developments dramatically reduce waste and carbon emissions while still delivering the premium experience we are known for.
To ensure accountability, we are undertaking a full Planet Mark certification covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, and we are measuring emissions at product level so we can publicly share verified carbon footprints for each format.
Our partnership with Ecologi continues to make a meaningful climate contribution as well, with over 187 tonnes of CO2e prevented through 43 verified carbon avoidance projects and more than 3,200 trees planted.
Our commitment extends beyond carbon. We support and actively participate in local environmental initiatives such as the Devon Environment Foundation, beach clean programmes and woodland projects, with every team member receiving two paid volunteering days each year, so sustainability becomes a habit not a headline.
Our ongoing charitable efforts have supported causes including Devon Air Ambulance, FORCE Cancer, Mind and global conservation organisations.
We are proud that sustainability at Hattiers is lived on every level: in our decisions, partnerships and daily actions.
What would you like to change in the future to improve your sustainability credentials further?
Our next chapter is focused on transparency and circularity. We will be launching our lightweight recycled glass bottles and alternative formats, publishing verified product carbon data, and completing our full Planet Mark assessment to guide our decarbonisation journey. We are committed to going far beyond carbon neutrality, instead pushing towards authentic net zero with science-led targets.
We also plan to continue strengthening industry collaboration through initiatives such as the Sustainable Drinks Cabinet and the UK Rum Brands community, encouraging progress not only within our own business but across the wider drinks sector.
Creating change is far more powerful when done together, and we believe sharing knowledge and solutions will accelerate progress for all.
Our ambition is to set a new benchmark for sustainable spirits and help accelerate positive change beyond our own business.
What are your tips for other businesses that want to become more sustainable?
Our biggest piece of advice is to start with understanding your footprint and impact. ‘Measure before you move’ allows you to prioritise and direct your energy where it truly matters.
A second piece of advice is to embrace collaboration over competition. We have seen first hand how businesses sharing insight, resources and learnings can raise standards across an industry. Our Sustainable Drinks Cabinet community now includes 57 B Corp drinks brands, collaborating to raise awareness, standards and to share best practice.
Finally, embed sustainability into company culture, not marketing, and formalise your values. Give your team the tools, education and time to make a difference, and choose ethical partners and responsible materials even when they cost more. Sustainability is not a short term investment, it builds trust, resilience and long term value.
Visit the Hattiers Rum website HERE.