The Scotch whisky industry is in course to meet its ambitious environmental targets.
Only 2% of waste from Scotch whisky packaging operations went to landfill last year, down from 13% in 2008.
Use of non-fossil fuels to generate energy was up to 17% from 3% over the same period, according to the latest Environmental Strategy Report from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).
In 2009 the industry announced ambitious sustainability targets in what is still the only strategy in Scotland covering an entire business sector.
These included reducing greenhouse gas emissions, moving away from fossil fuel, sending no waste to landfill by 2020 and effectively managing water needs.
Energy use increased by 14% since 2008 but spirit production had grown by 20% to meet demand. Greenhouse gas emissions were down 1% in absolute terms.
The rise in non-fossil fuel was partly a result of multi-million-pound investment in renewables at distilleries a threefold increase since 2012.
New boilers use woodchip and pellets, UV solar panels have been installed and energy has been harvested from distillery byproducts of biomass and anaerobic digestion.
Net water use was down 14% since 2008, with companies working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency on responsible water management.
The average weight of packaging materials was slightly down at 6.56kg per nine-litre case, although consumers are still demanding premium products in elaborate, heavier bottles.
SWA chief executive David Frost said, as world leaders in Paris agree climate change targets, the SWA strategy was a great example of what can be achieved by an industry working in collaboration.
“Our progress report shows that the Scotch Whisky industry is committed to sustainability and maintaining a pristine environment for generations to come,” he said.
“More can always be done and we will continue to work in partnership with governments, regulators and our supply chain to further improve our environmental performance.”
Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead commended the Scotch Whisky Association for its endeavours, and its commitment to sustainability.