Waste Regeneration in the Scottish Distillery Industry
Citation
(2015) Waste Regeneration in the Scottish
Distillery Industry, no. 84.
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