At Downton Distillery, investing in recycling and reusable packaging is not just about sustainability—it’s about long-term responsibility, efficiency, and staying true to our values. Unlike large corporations, we have the flexibility to innovate, allowing us to reduce waste, energy consumption and carbon emissions while crafting high-quality spirits.

Packaging waste is a major environmental challenge, with millions of tons of plastic, glass and paper discarded annually. By committing to reusable and recyclable materials, we significantly lower our environmental footprint, ensuring our packaging stays out of landfills and in circulation. We encourage customers to reuse their glass bottles and switch to our eco-friendly refill pouches, which use less material and can be returned to us for reuse. Every bottle refilled means less waste, fewer resources used, and a step towards a circular economy.

Beyond the environmental impact, sustainable packaging strengthens our brand and builds trust with our customers, who are increasingly choosing eco-conscious businesses. Sustainability also makes economic sense, as reducing packaging waste helps us cut costs and create a more efficient production cycle. For us, sustainability isn’t just an option—it’s a commitment. By embracing recycling and reusability, we ensure Downton Distillery continues to grow while protecting the planet for future generations

Our new ‘Flight Strength’ glass bottles by Estal are an eco-friendly innovation, designed with sustainability and resource efficiency in mind. Unlike traditional glass bottles that require large amounts of raw materials, they are made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass, significantly reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and the need for virgin materials.

One of the biggest advantages of this glass is its low-impact production process. Recycling glass requires 30% less energy than manufacturing new glass, helping to cut down on CO₂ emissions. Additionally, reusing and repurposing waste glass helps divert millions of bottles from landfill, where glass can take up to one million years to decompose.

The stoppers used are using recycled oak from oak that came down during winter storms.

Presentation boxes are designed to enhance the visual appeal of bottles, but they come at a significant environmental cost. Despite their luxurious appearance, over 95% of them are discarded shortly after purchase, contributing heavily to packaging waste. In 2018, packaging materials accounted for 82.2 million tons, or 28.1%, of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the USA. Although recycling initiatives exist, a substantial amount still ends up in landfills.

With customers frequently asking if we would introduce a presentation box, we sought an alternative that aligns with our eco-conscious ethos. In 2024, we launched our faux leather pouches, designed to be reusable rather than discarded.

Once gifted, they can continue life as bottle pouches or everyday carry bags. And when no longer needed, they can be repurposed into leather patches for clothing and accessories, ensuring they remain part of a circular, waste-free solution.

The rising cost of glass bottles, driven largely by increasing energy prices, has led us to explore alternative packaging solutions that are both economical and sustainable.

Once a symbol of sophistication, the decanter reached peak popularity in the mid-19th century, only to fade from common use in the 20th century. However, with glass production being resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of energy, sand, soda ash, and limestone, decanters present a more sustainable option. By choosing to refill and reuse a decanter, you help reduce the demand for new glass production, significantly lowering carbon emissions and minimizing waste.

When paired with refill pouches, which consume less material and energy to produce and transport, decanters create a circular, waste-free system, aligning with eco-conscious drinking habits. Beyond their environmental benefits, decanters enhance the drinking experience, allowing spirits to breathe and develop deeper flavors, while also adding a timeless elegance to any bar.

By opting for a decanter, you’re not just investing in craftsmanship and style—you’re making a sustainable choice, ensuring that your spirits are enjoyed with minimal environmental impact.

We designed our bottle to honour the ‘Era of Discovery’ and Sir Walter Raleigh’s adventures, blending heritage with craftsmanship. However, it’s disheartening that most bottles end up in landfill after a single use. To combat this, we launched our ‘Bottle for Life’ programme, in 2019 encouraging reuse and upcycling. By giving each bottle a second life, you actively help us reduce waste and minimise our environmental impact —because sustainability should be as timeless as exploration.

Refill pouches are revolutionizing sustainable packaging, providing a lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable alternative to traditional glass bottles. By significantly reducing waste and carbon emissions, they offer an environmentally responsible solution without compromising quality.

Research from the LCA Centre shows that switching to refill pouches achieves an impressive 96.57% reduction in emissions compared to glass, including 70% less CO₂ emissions, 65% less energy use, and 45% less water consumption. But we don’t just stop at using them—we also reuse them, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

This allows us to offer two price points: a new refill pouch at a 22% saving and a reused refill pouch with up to 40% savings (when combined with our newsletter max discount). By making super-premium gin more affordable, we prove that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand. Choosing refill pouches isn’t just better for the environment—it’s better for your wallet too.

• In June 2021 we launched the Explorer’s Gin refill pack.
• In 2022 we introduced our Freepost service to those buying Explorer's refills.
• In 2023 we introduced the Freepost return service for all refill packs.
• In 2024 we took another step forward with the release of Great our Bustard Gin refill pouches, made from bio-based materials derived from sugarcane.

Since 2020 we have been using flexi hex packaging. They offer an innovative, sustainable packaging solution designed to protect bottles and refills during transit while minimizing environmental impact. Crafted from 100% recycled, FSC-certified paper, its patented honeycomb structure offers exceptional strength. These in turn can be reused, or sent back to us with old bottles.

At markets you will also find us packaging our bottles using our recycled bags, please be warned that in wet conditions you might want an alternative shopping bag!

We ensure that any plastics and cardboard received from our suppliers are recycled through Waste Management Wiltshire.

Our wooden pallets are reused and upcycled in partnership with local business Mulebar, where they’ve been transformed into beautiful counters in horse box bars! We are committed to working with suppliers to continuously improve our environmental footprint wherever possible.

Additionally, our IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), which hold Neutral Grain Spirits (NGS), are either upcycled for liquid storage or passed on to other businesses, including a local hydroponic farm, ensuring they remain in use rather than going to waste.