Industria Licorera de Caldas Sets a Global Standard for Sustainability

One of Colombia’s most established spirits producers recently reached a historic environmental milestone. Industria Licorera de Caldas (ILC) now holds Carbon Neutral Footprint certification, solidifying its role as a leader in the green revolution.

Industria Licorera de Caldas: A Pioneer in Water Stewardship

Beyond carbon management, the company has become the first spirits producer in Colombia—and one of only ten worldwide—to secure a verified Water Footprint certification. As The Spirits Business reports, these achievements reflect a broader commitment to biodiversity and renewable energy.

Diego Angelillis Quiceno, general manager at Industria Licorera de Caldas, told The Spirits Business that sustainability serves as a responsibility rather than a marketing tool. He believes the industry should act as a “force for regeneration, not extraction,” ensuring that every bottle protects the ecosystems and communities that support production.

Circular Economy Success

The distillery manages a fully integrated circular economy model that oversees the entire life cycle of its spirits. Through the ConexiónREP program, Industria Licorera de Caldas focuses on recovering solid waste, particularly glass bottles.

During the first half of 2025, the initiative recovered nearly 1,870 tonnes of packaging. Furthermore, the company transforms this glass into “glass sand” to support coral reef regeneration in San Andrés. By collaborating with the Blue Indigo Foundation, the team uses these materials to create coral microfragmentation plugs, effectively turning production waste into a resource for marine restoration.

The Social Legacy

Social impact remains a core pillar of the company’s mission. Through the “Mi Escritorio” (My Desk) program, the team converts recovered containers into school furniture. Between 2021 and 2025, the project benefited over 3,000 children and prevented nearly six tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Ultimately, Industria Licorera de Caldas maintains high ethical standards through SMETA international audits. This ensures fair wages and safe working conditions, proving that true sustainability prioritizes both the planet and its people.

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Source of information

The Spirits Business Article — Industria Licorera de Caldas certified carbon-neutral, written by Georgie Collins

The image of the article is courtesy of © Tom Fisk via Canva.com