Distilling Change: What Carbon Negative Rum Can Teach Us About Planet, Profit and Scale

What happens when you build sustainability into a business from day one? For Russ Wakeham, co-founder of Two Drifters Distillery, the answer is a rum that’s not just delicious but also carbon negative. His approach could help rewrite the rules for how companies think about profit, planet, and scale. In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Russ about how his background in chemistry and carbon capture research led to a distillery powered by renewable energy. They explore how Two Drifters measures and reduces its emissions across every stage of the supply chain, from sugarcane fields to bottle packaging, and why Russ treats carbon removal costs like any other line item in the business. They also dig into the practical realities of tackling Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, from shipping and distribution to the hidden carbon costs of glass bottles. Russ’s advice for other business owners is clear – if you implement sustainability right from the beginning, it becomes easier to maintain and grow that practice later on. LINKS Russ Wakeham on LinkedIn Two Drifters Distillery Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES Scope 1,2 and 3 Emissions Standards and Guidance: GHG Protocol Climate impact of shipping: European Federation for Transport and Environment 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships: IMO The road to net zero – the emissions targets of the world’s drinks giants: Just Drinks  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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