After five years of using only organic materials in all aspects of its production, Leith-based Lind & Lime Gin has been formally awarded organic certification by the industry standard-setting Scottish Organic Producers Association.
From its creation in 2018, the Lind and Lime’s founders, Ian Stirling and Paddy Fletcher, had committed to producing a sustainable gin with minimal impact on the environment – but organic certification is not awarded overnight, as candidate businesses must demonstrate adherence to SOPA standards for a period of years before being allowed to add the organic logo to their label.
In May 2022, Lind & Lime’s production moved from its birthplace, a Leith lock-up described as ‘the smallest space in which it was technically possible to distill gin’, into new, much roomier premises nearby, where the distillery is 100% green powered, and every bottle is hand-labelled with plastic-free packaging and finished with a cork made from natural materials.
Paddy said: “As a company that is passionate about the environment, being certified organic certainly means a lot to us. We’ve always been organic – right from our very first bottle, but it’s great to now be fully certified. It is something we’ve been striving towards since we started producing our gin in 2018.
“Lind & Lime is made using 100% organic ingredients that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures that our customers are consuming a product that is free from harmful chemicals.
“Being organic is not only about the ingredients, it’s about the entire process, from sourcing the botanicals to packaging the final product,” he stressed. “It is about taking a holistic approach to sustainability and ensuring that our product is as environmentally friendly as possible.”
Co-founder Ian added: “At Lind & Lime, we believe that it is crucial for spirits companies to prioritise organic production methods. Organic ingredients and farming practices are better for the environment, and consumers should be able to choose products that are produced sustainably. Organic farming practices promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation, which are essential for a healthy planet and its ecosystems.
“Life is busy in any small company, especially when you’re growing fast. But building a business is about more than just growth. It’s about sustainable growth. You need to consider and carefully manage your impact on the planet, your people and the communities that you serve.”
As well as Lind & Lime, Paddy and Ian’s mission to restore the rich history of distilling in the district of Leith has produced the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery, Port of Leith, which is currently under construction and set to open in late summer this year.
