Zero Waste Mezcal Distilleries

The challenge is enormous

In an effort to move towards zero waste, this sustainable mezcal production creates drinks and bricks. Sombra Mezcal was established by "environmental lawyer turned sommelier and liquor company founder" Richard Betts. His new distillery features several environmentally friendly features including an electric mill powered by eight solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system for the agave fermentation process.

Sombra Mezcal is developing a way to combine two different kinds of waste generated from mezcal production to create adobe bricks plus dirt from around the factory. A machine a few hours away is able to compress the muddy mixture into a strong brick in one minute. This technique is a way to improve traditional processes in a way that benefits people, animals and the planet.