Waste Regeneration in the Scottish Distillery Industry

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the innovative sustainability initiatives which Scottish distilleries use in order to reduce the impact waste has on the environment and the benefits it gives to other stakeholders. Aims/Objectives: • To understand the relationship between sustainability initiatives and gaining competitive advantage • To develop an understanding of the stakeholders that are taken into consideration when introducing waste regeneration initiatives • Are these internally, externally or competitor forced? • The relationship between sustainability initiatives and performance Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected through semi structured interviews in the form of telephone and emails due to the distance between the researcher and the participant distilleries in Islay. 1 interview per distillery will take place with a manager to allow the results to be compared. The data reduction approach was used enabling the data to be easily condensed and ensured relevance to the literature and research purpose. Findings: The findings of this research collaborates the literature by stating that waste regeneration remains a new concept. Despite this the distilleries are in the process of adapting their production methods with consideration to sustainability. The researcher found interesting linkages to the literature however also created a broader understanding through insight into other aspects. This research will aid the reader to gain a fuller understanding of the concept of waste regeneration. Research Limitations: The restricted geographical location of which the research was conducted in could limit the generalizability of the study however the responses did consider all sizes/ages of distilleries in that area. Originality/value: This study is amongst the early research in this field and therefore this study is of value to the industry. Key words: waste, sustainability, regeneration/management and distilleries