Six ways Altos Tequila is making a positive impact on the environment

Altos Tequila blends tradition and sustainability, promoting responsible agriculture and packaging.

Altos Tequila is more than just a spirit; it’s an authentic concept rooted in the heart of Mexican culture. Created by two world renowned bartenders and a Maestro Tequilero, Altos honors traditional production methods (tahona stone, brick oven and copper still) and stands out as a 100% agave tequila that’s versatile for mixing and sipping it neat. But its commitment goes beyond flavor: sustainability is a core pillar of its identity.

“Altos’ sustainability and responsibility projects reflect its belief that a great tequila should also care for its people and planet” says Marijose Regules Barona, Sustainability & Responsibility Manager at the House of Tequila.

“Within this framework, Altos promotes a holistic vision that supports responsible practices, mental health and professional development, while also fostering support networks for bartenders worldwide through the Tahona Society initiative.”

Through its Tahona Society Initiative, Altos brings bartenders together across the globe and champions sustainability through a major annual competition.

The 2025 Tahona Society Competition winners: Christina Botero (Columbia), Christina Mercado (US), Lucia Ixchel (Mexico), and Audrey Hands (Mexico).

Altos’s commitment goes beyond flavour: sustainability is a core pillar of its identity.
Marijose Regules

1. Certified sustainable agriculture

Agave plantations owned by Altos have achieved gold-level international certification by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI). This Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) recognises responsible agricultural practices in areas such as biodiversity, water management, soil health and labour conditions.

2. Water replenishment

Altos participates in the Charco Bendito project in the Jalisco region of Mexico, where Altos is produced. The initiative aims to increase water infiltration and provide access to clean water for over 1,000 people by 2028.

The project’s restoration efforts encompass a range of vital activities, including reforestation, soil conservation, biodiversity preservation and water harvesting. So far, it has led to the reforestation of 193 hectares and has captured 71,149 tonnes of CO2.

3. Environmental protection with ARA

Altos complies with the Agave Responsable Ambiental (ARA) protocol, ensuring that no agave used comes from deforested areas. This protocol not only protects local ecosystems but also aligns with biodiversity conservation goals.

In 2025, Altos introduced new packaging and a lighter bottle, helping reduce CO2 emissions.

4. Responsible packaging

All paper and cardboard packaging used by Altos is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, guaranteeing that materials come from responsible and sustainable sources.

In 2025, Altos relaunched a new packaging and a lighter bottle that has reduced CO2 emissions.

5. Zero waste

The two main by-products of the tequila distillation process are bagasse and vinasse. The latter is highly acidic and could contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life if released into streams or rivers.

Altos has begun transforming waste bagasse into nutrient-rich compost for other crops, while vinasse is treated at a community wastewater plant to prevent it from entering rivers and for potential reuse.

Waste bagasse is turned into nutrient-rich compost, while vinasse is treated at a community wastewater plant to prevent river pollution.

6. Altos’ Bartenders’ wellness platform: Tahona Society

The Tahona Society is a global community and educational platform founded in 2009 by the creators of Altos Tequila, aimed at empowering bartenders through education, sustainability initiatives, and networking. It focuses on agave culture, offering resources, training, and a major annual competition to support sustainable projects in the bar industry, often awarding a $50,000 USD grant.