- Sustainability
Sustained by Nature and Water
At Suntory, we believe in doing more than just offering products; we recognize it is our responsibility to make a positive impact on those around us, and to give back to nature and society.
We acknowledge that our high level of craftsmanship is only possible through the gifts of nature, particularly water, and so we are committed to efforts that keep water pure and abundant for future generations and create harmony within our communities through the humanities. This is the legacy of our founder, Shinjiro Torii, who believed that success is only real when it is shared. We owe ours to nature, to our customers, our employees, and our communities. Giving back is our way of saying thank you.
More than a century ago, when Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory, set out to create Japan’s first malt whisky, he was guided by a belief that exceptional whisky depends on exceptional water and the natural environment that supports it. He chose Yamazaki, an area known for its exceptional water and rich natural environment, and in 1923 began construction of Japan's first malt whisky distillery. This decision reflected a belief that continues to guide Suntory today: water is the foundation of craftsmanship and a precious gift entrusted to us by nature, inspiring a long-standing commitment to help protect and pass it on to future generations.
What began with Shinjiro Torii’s appreciation for the water and natural environment of Yamazaki continues today through the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ Initiative, an effort to protect the landscapes that support whisky making for future generations. At its core is a simple recognition that peat, water, and whisky are deeply connected and must be sustained together.
Peatlands: The Water-Rich Landscapes Behind Whisky
A Commitment to the Future of Whisky
Originally launched in 2021, the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ Initiative reflects Suntory Group’s long-standing respect for water and nature. This belief has guided the company’s Natural Water Sanctuary initiative in Japan for more than two decades, helping conserve forests that nurture water resources for future generations. Through the Peatland Water Sanctuary, that same philosophy is being put into practice in Scotland through an approach tailored to the unique characteristics of local peatlands and watershed.
Across Scotland, Suntory is carrying out site-specific restoration work designed to return water to the landscape and support the recovery of these ecosystems over time. Depending on the characteristics and condition of each site, restoration techniques may include blocking drainage systems to raise water levels, reshaping degraded areas to restore natural contours and, where appropriate, reintroducing wetland vegetation such as Sphagnum moss. Often described as a natural sponge, Sphagnum moss can hold many times its weight in water, helping peatlands retain moisture and create the conditions needed for peat and biodiversity to recover. These efforts are guided by detailed field surveys, historical research and ongoing water-level monitoring, where observed increases in water levels suggest that the peatland’s ability to retain water is gradually being restored. Over time, the return of water helps support the recovery of vegetation, wildlife, and the wider ecosystem.
At Suntory, water is more than an ingredient. It is a defining element of the company’s identity, one that has shaped its craftsmanship since its founding and continues to guide its actions today. This deep-rooted connection is reflected even in Suntory’s corporate logo, where the water motif symbolizes the central role water plays, not only in its products, but in its philosophy.
