Rivière du Mât: A rhum distillery that runs on 96% renewable energy

La Martiniquaise Bardinet, the ambitious choice of methanisation for its rhum production. Over the years, the independent, family-run La Martiniquaise Bardinet group has integrated innovative, sustainable solutions into its rhum production. 

Among its most remarkable initiatives, methanisation has emerged as a key driver for more responsible, environmentally friendly production. Methanisation is based on the recovery of organic waste to produce green energy, as well as natural fertilizer. A sustainable process that demonstrates the Group’s commitment to a circular economy and a significant reduction in its ecological footprint. 

A distillery investing for the future: Rivière du Mât

Founded in 1886, Rivière du Mât is one of the oldest distilleries on Reunion Island still in operation today. Leader in the premium old rhums segment and proud of its volcanic terroir, it is currently the only site certified “Afnor CSR commitment label”.

It was also the first site on the island to introduce methanisation in 2011, initiating a virtuous process in the region by drawing inspiration from the Group’s existing units. 

This first experiment was followed by the installation of a second methaniser in 2020 and a cogeneration unit in 2022. This equipment will enable the distillery to recycle its waste while reducing its environmental impact. 

In brief, Teddy Boyer, Director of the distillery, comments that they immediately identified the potential of this innovative technology, which will enable them to create a virtuous circle through 4 major objectives: 

• Recovering the residue from the distillation of their rhums, “the vinasse”.

• Produce biogas to power our distillery, reducing their fuel oil consumption by 96%.

• Generate green electricity, covering the needs of 1,500 families on the island.
• And finally, produce a natural fertilizer, “ferticanne”, which enables sugarcane growers to reduce their consumption of chemical fertilizers by 50%.

“All the teams at the distillery are doubly proud, both to produce very high-quality rhums and to preserve our island for future generations.”, assures Boyer.

According to Remi Hermann, Industrial Director of La Martiniquaise Bardinet Group, this virtuous model was developed in 1998 in the distilleries in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

“With more than 25 years of expertise, we now have the necessary hindsight to develop these initiatives, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to energy transition and sustainability, with the ambition of perpetuating rhum production that is ever more respectful of the environment, while supporting local communities.”, says Remi Hennann.

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Source of information

Press release by Rivière du Mât: When a historic rhum distillery runs on 96% renewable energy – An outstanding methanisation project: Rivière du Mât