Crafting Spirits with a Conscience: Damaged Goods Distilling Co.

At a time when sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s a mission that drives the actions of businesses across the globe. For Pia Papenfuss and Tim Laferla, the founders of Damaged Goods Distilling Co., sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. This innovative distillery is redefining how spirits are made by taking what others deem waste and transforming it into high-quality, unique spirits.

Their creations, from Final Squeeze Citrus Gin to Gone Bananas Vodka, are delicious testaments to their belief that "imperfect ingredients" can result in perfect products. And on November 3, 2024, you can experience their zero-waste spirits firsthand at the Perth Makers Market in Applecross!

How It All Began: A Mission Born from Hospitality Roots

Pia and Tim both come from hospitality backgrounds, where they honed their palates and developed a passion for exceptional food and drink. But what truly drives them is their commitment to sustainability and their determination to prove that spirits made from imperfect ingredients can be just as good, if not better, than those made from perfect ones. They aren't looking to simply recreate familiar taste profiles – they aim to push the boundaries and deliver something even more exciting. And, they’re doing it all while minimising waste and preserving the environment.

Their journey began with a question: What if we could take the leftover food that would otherwise end up in a landfill and turn it into something remarkable? The answer is Damaged Goods Distilling Co., a brand that takes imperfect ingredients and transforms them into exceptional spirits through innovative distilling techniques. It’s a win-win – saving food from waste while offering consumers a unique, high-quality drink that tastes as good as it feels to support.

The Art of Turning Waste into Spirits

So, how does Damaged Goods Distilling Co. make their zero-waste spirits? It’s not about using scraps or leftovers from the dinner plate. Most of the food waste they rescue happens long before it even reaches consumers, often because the produce doesn’t look perfect or fit certain aesthetic standards.

Each of their products is created from carefully chosen waste streams that still have untapped flavour potential. Pia and Tim work their magic in their distillery, using creativity and science to rescue these ingredients and give them a new life.

Take their Final Squeeze Citrus Gin, for example. This zesty gin is made from citrus husks rescued from a local juicing company. Instead of being discarded, these husks are given a second life, resulting in a fresh and flavourful spirit. Then there’s their Smashed Apple Aperitivo, made from apple pulp sourced from a nearby cidery, and their Gone Bananas Vodka, which transforms rejected bananas from a WA growers co-op into a smooth, clean vodka. Each spirit is a testament to the possibilities of sustainable distilling.

Success and Achievements: Making an Impact, One Bottle at a Time

In their first nine months of operation, Damaged Goods Distilling Co. processed more than 2.6 tonnes of food waste, creating and selling over 3,000 bottles of their innovative spirits. This achievement includes the transformation of 495 kg of citrus husks, 350 kg of apple pulp, 1,755 kg of rejected bananas, and even 50 kg of grenache grape skins into their unique products.

For Pia and Tim, this isn’t just about the numbers – it’s about proving that waste can be transformed into something valuable and showing consumers that they can enjoy premium spirits while contributing to a better planet.

Pioneers of Sustainable Practices

Damaged Goods Distilling Co. is not just about rescuing food waste; their entire operation is designed to be as sustainable as possible. They’ve partnered with Richgro and WRITE Solutions to manage their organic waste, diverting 2,200 litres of organic liquid waste and 1,225 kg of solid organic waste for reuse in biogas and gardening products.

They also designed a bespoke closed-loop cooling system, recycling water for their distillation runs and saving over 22,500 litres of water so far. In addition, they’ve found a way to recover and repurpose waste alcohol, with 270 litres of high-grade alcohol reused in production and the remaining 63 litres repurposed for cleaning and sanitation. Their distillery is a model of how businesses can minimise waste and maximise impact.

Challenges and Goals for the Future

As with any business, Damaged Goods Distilling Co. faces its challenges. The biggest hurdle? Packaging. While Pia and Tim have made strides with initiatives like bottle refill programs and large-format packaging for bars and restaurants, they acknowledge there’s still much work to be done. Packaging technologies are far from perfect, but they are committed to continuing to innovate in this area and finding even more sustainable solutions.

Looking ahead, Pia and Tim’s goals are twofold: scaling their business and continuing to minimise their environmental impact. As they grow, they’ll be able to process even more food waste, further expanding the reach of their mission. The more bottles of their spirits sold, the more waste they can rescue – it’s a beautifully simple concept with a profound impact.

What to Expect at the Perth Makers Market

For Pia and Tim, the Perth Makers Market on November 3, 2024, is an exciting opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share their enthusiasm for sustainability and local produce. They love the ethos of this market and can’t wait to showcase their range of spirits to the market’s visitors.

Attendees can sample their creative, zero-waste spirits, learn more about their sustainable distilling process, and take home a bottle (or two!) of their expertly crafted gin, vodka, or aperitivo. Whether you're a sustainability enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good drink, Damaged Goods Distilling Co. is not to be missed!

Join the Movement

As Damaged Goods Distilling Co. continues to grow, so does their mission to make a positive impact on the planet. Each bottle of spirit they create not only offers a unique drinking experience but also contributes to the fight against food waste. With innovative practices and a passion for sustainability, Pia and Tim are proving that delicious spirits and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

To learn more about Damaged Goods Distilling Co. or to purchase their spirits, visit their website at Damaged Goods Distilling.

Don’t forget to catch them at the Perth Makers Market on November 3, 2024, and discover how you can sip sustainably with every pour!