Hogs Back Brewery has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability after being shortlisted for the national Sustainable Business Award by the Society of Independent Brewers' (SIBA). 

Sustainability has always been at the heart of the Tongham brewer’s business ethos, and it has introduced numerous initiatives with the aim of becoming a more sustainable brewer.

Most evident of these is its hop garden, planted 10 years ago adjacent to the brewery and reviving hop farming in the Farnham area. Hops travel just yards from the field to the brewhouse, creating a minimal carbon footprint.

In shortlisting Hogs Back as one of five national finalists, SIBA also recognised the brewer's impressive steps to reduce its CO2 emissions. This includes installing 120 solar panels on the roof of the brewery in 2023, as well as initiatives to replace plastics with reusable glass and stainless steel containers, and remove plastic from its packaging.

Hogs Back managing director Rupert Thompson said: "Making the finals of a national award is an endorsement of all the work we've done to make Hogs Back a more sustainable brewer.

“Beer is a wonderful drink, but the brewing process has traditionally generated a heavy carbon footprint, which we've sought to mitigate with all our initiatives.

"Becoming more eco-friendly hasn't always been easy, but it's the right thing to do and we will continue to look for new ways to reduce our environmental impact.”

Rupert added it has been a “team effort” and thanked staff and the brewery’s many supporters in the community.