AUSTRALIA, 26 JULY – We are thrilled to announce our partnership with ecoSPIRITS to introduce Husk Distillers’ portfolio in the ecoTOTE™ format across Australia. Recently integrated into the Proof & Company family, Husk Distillers is renowned for its farm-to-bottle ethos and unwavering commitment to sustainability, producing iconic Australian brands such as Ink Gin and Husk Rum.
In collaboration with The Melbourne Distilling Co., located in Melbourne’s western suburbs, we are highlighting our shared commitment to sustainability and the use of Australian-made ingredients. This partnership is a significant milestone in our strategy to expand the ecoSPIRITS program both nationally and internationally. As a 100% Australian-owned company, The Melbourne Distilling Co. will serve as our co-packing partner, helping to package spirits in ecoTOTE™, including the inaugural batch from Husk Distillers. Starting in early July, these ecoTOTE™ will be distributed to a wide range of on-trade venues nationwide.
Nestled in Northern New South Wales near the Gold Coast, Husk Distillers has garnered acclaim for producing Australia’s first cane juice rum. By cultivating the necessary crops locally and adhering to sustainable production methods, the distillery demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the land. Husk Distillers embodies a philosophy of full-circle distilling, integrating several eco-friendly initiatives into their operations. These initiatives include capturing and reusing rainwater, utilising solar power, and implementing robust waste reduction measures.
Furthering this commitment, Husk Distillers proudly introduces their portfolio in the ecoTOTE™ 3.0, a revolutionary packaging solution designed to enhance sustainability while ensuring product integrity. Initially available for their first product, Ink Dry Gin, the packaging will also be used for their range of small-batch rums, including Husk Rare Blend, Husk Pure Cane, Husk Coconut Rum, and Husk Bam Bam Spiced Rum.
The ecoTOTE™ 3.0 is a shock-resistant, ergonomic container tailored for security and ease of handling, especially in back-of-house environments. It is safer and more convenient than traditional cardboard cases of glass bottles, minimising the risk of breakage and associated hazards. A key feature is its tamper-resistant, serialised sealing system, which eliminates the risk of contamination and ensures product integrity. Additionally, a cloud-based location tracking system supports supply chain transparency and accountability.
Most importantly, it stands out as a fully reusable packaging solution that dramatically minimises waste. Once emptied at the venue, the ecoTOTE™ will be sent back to Husk Distillers for refilling. Over its lifespan, which exceeds 100 use cycles, each ecoTOTE™ can replace up to 1,000 single-use glass bottles. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in the quest to lessen the environmental footprint of spirits production and distribution.
Harriet Messenger, General Manager of Marketing and Hospitality, Husk Distillers
“ecoSPIRITS fits beautifully with our business. We already bulk supply to bars, but the ecoSPIRITS system is a much better, neater and more sustainable system because the packaging is designed to be reusable. We look at all areas of our business and try to minimise the output of waste, and ecoSPIRITS fits in perfectly with this. I think it will really resonate with our customers as well, because it is so well aligned with our existing production processes and our brand values.”
Daniel Donnelly, Senior Brand Manager for Husk Distillers at Proof & Company
“We now have a team of seven on the road in Australia and it’s our number one focus across all our brands, with ecoSPIRITS playing a big part in this. There is a huge amount of pressure on the industry to try to find cheaper, more efficient and more sustainable ways of doing business. By delivering Husk brands in ecoTOTE™, we’re not only making a positive impact on the environment but also offering a more economical way to serve drinks. It’s a perfect alignment with our goals, and we’re excited about the potential this holds for the future.”
James Wynn-Williams, Sales Manager - Asia Pacific, ecoSPIRITS
“I am really excited to see these sustainable and much-loved brands go into ecoTOTE™ format so that people across Australia can enjoy low waste drinks made with Husk Distillers’ spirits. This producer is a great fit with Proof & Company’s ethos and its brands sit well within Proof’s portfolio, while also aligning well with the ecoSPIRITS closed loop system. We are confident this will be a successful partnership all round.”
About Husk Distillers
Husk Distillers makes hand-crafted rum in small batches from the finest quality, freshly crushed cane juice sustainably grown, harvested, aged and bottled at Husk Farm Distillery. As Australia’s first agricultural rum distillery, we are developing this style of rum with a “farm to bottle” philosophy, using sugar cane grown 100% on our farm. Our volcanic soil, sub-tropical climate and local cane varieties combine each harvest to create something unique. The terroir of the Caldera Coast is reflected in every dram of Husk Rum.
For more information, please visit www.huskdistillers.com
About ecoSPIRITS
ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy technology company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution technology for premium spirits and wine. Their patent-pending closed-loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, the ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in 27 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. Nearly 3,000 leading bars, restaurants, hotels, and retailers have adopted the technology. ecoSPIRITS is now rapidly building a global network of closed loop service, with coverage to grow worldwide in 2024. Together with brand partners, importers, distributors, wholesalers, venues, and retailers, they are already making a difference. Each year, ecoSPIRITS and partners are eliminating hundreds of tons of single use glass waste, planting tens of thousands of trees, and inspiring others to change.
For more information, please visit https://ecospirits.global/