Sustainability in the Bar Industry: A Conversation with Emma Sleight

The global food and beverage industry is evolving, with sustainability becoming an integral part of its narrative. 50 Best, a platform renowned for celebrating excellence in gastronomy and mixology, is also at the forefront of championing sustainability. Emma Sleight, Head of Content at 50 Best, discusses how the organisation is shaping a more responsible and eco-conscious future for bars worldwide.

Integrating Sustainability into the 50 Best Agenda

Since 2018, 50 Best has been recognising and rewarding sustainable practices in the bar industry through initiatives such as the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. More than just promoting recycling and reusing, this award encourages bars to embrace a holistic approach to sustainability, considering their impact on the wider community.

“Sustainability is not just about what goes into the glass but extends to how a bar operates, sources ingredients, and even engages with the community,” Sleight explains. “Through our editorial content, newsletters, and social media channels, we provide valuable insights and share best practices from leading establishments worldwide.”

In addition to the Sustainable Bar Award, sustainability plays a role in other accolades, such as the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award, which considers ecological compatibility as part of its judging criteria.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices in Bars

50 Best actively engages with bars to inspire and promote sustainability through various digital channels, from in-depth articles to video content. “We use our platforms to spotlight pioneers in sustainable mixology,” says Sleight. “Take Röda Huset, last year’s winner of the Sustainable Bar Award. They locally source and forage ingredients, collaborate with ethical suppliers, and even ensure that their furniture and glassware are crafted from recycled materials.”

This year’s winner, Zest in Seoul, exemplifies a holistic sustainability approach. By sourcing ingredients from farms within 25 kilometres, using food waste creatively, and investing in staff development, Zest seamlessly integrates sustainability with an exceptional hospitality experience.

Balancing Sustainability with Exceptional Experiences

As a platform dedicated to celebrating the best hospitality experiences, 50 Best believes that sustainability and excellence go hand in hand. “The best bars are those that not only serve world-class drinks but also care about their environmental and social impact,” says Sleight. “With consumers becoming increasingly sustainability-conscious, many bars on our list are gaining recognition for integrating responsible practices into their operations.”

Sustainability is no longer an afterthought but a fundamental consideration in the global bar scene. “We see a shift towards hyper-local sourcing, with bartenders utilising locally grown alternatives rather than imported ingredients,” Sleight notes. “Bars like True Laurel in San Francisco use native yellow wood sorrel as a citrus substitute, reducing their carbon footprint.”

Another rising trend is holistic sustainability, extending beyond the menu to include infrastructure and operations. Sleight highlights Singapore’s Analogue Initiative, where the bar is 3D-printed using 1,600 kg of recycled plastic bottles, setting an example for the industry.

The Future of Sustainability in Bars

50 Best is committed to driving the global sustainability conversation forward. “We aim to continue championing innovative bars that prioritise sustainability,” says Sleight. “By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire more establishments to experiment with ways to reduce waste and create more responsible business models.”

Looking ahead, 50 Best envisions a future where sustainability becomes second nature in the hospitality sector. “We want our platform to be a source of education and inspiration—not just for industry professionals but also for consumers who want to support sustainable businesses,” Sleight states. “Through our awards and content, we will keep amplifying diverse voices and highlighting practices that not only delight guests but also drive positive change.”

As sustainability continues to shape the future of hospitality, 50 Best remains dedicated to ensuring that the bars celebrated today will be around for generations to come—creating unforgettable experiences without compromising the planet.