In the world of craft beer, Allagash Brewing Company stands out not just for its exceptional beer, but for its deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Based in Portland, Maine, Allagash has become a beacon of corporate citizenship, setting new standards for the brewing industry in community engagement, sustainability, employee welfare, and racial equity.

At the heart of Allagash’s community involvement is a simple yet impactful initiative: for every barrel of beer sold, the brewery donates 10 cents to local organizations. This seemingly small gesture added up to an impressive $940,000 in contributions in 2022 alone, demonstrating the power of consistent giving. But Allagash’s community spirit extends far beyond financial donations.

The brewery actively encourages its employees to engage with local causes, offering 16 paid hours annually for volunteer work. This program not only benefits various charities but also fosters a culture of civic responsibility within the company. Allagash’s commitment to the future of brewing is evident in its partnerships with local educational institutions, providing scholarships and internships to nurture the next generation of brewing professionals.

In a move that addresses both community support and industry diversity, Allagash became a founding donor of the Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling. This organization provides scholarships and support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the brewing and distilling industries, reflecting Allagash’s commitment to creating a more inclusive craft beer community.

The brewery’s dedication to local agriculture is another cornerstone of its community engagement. With a goal of incorporating 1 million pounds of Maine-grown grain annually by 2024, Allagash is making a substantial investment in the regional economy. This initiative goes hand in hand with efforts to diversify their supply chain, actively seeking out and supporting BIPOC-owned agricultural businesses.

On the environmental front, Allagash’s efforts are both comprehensive and innovative. In 2019, the brewery took a significant step towards renewable energy by installing 638 solar panels on their roof, which now generate about 18% of their electricity needs. This move not only reduces their carbon footprint but also sets an example for other breweries to follow.

Allagash’s commitment to sustainability extends to waste management, with an impressive 99% of their waste diverted from landfills through extensive recycling, composting, and creative reuse programs. Even their spent grain finds new life as animal feed on local farms. Water conservation is another area where Allagash excels, having reduced their water usage to just 3.1 gallons per gallon of beer produced, a figure that puts them well ahead of industry averages.

The brewery’s environmental credentials are further bolstered by certifications such as TRUE Zero Waste Platinum and B Corp status, validating their holistic approach to sustainability. Even in packaging, Allagash prioritizes eco-friendly solutions, using recycled materials in their cardboard carriers and transitioning to primarily reusable kegs.

Allagash’s commitment to social responsibility is perhaps most evident in its treatment of employees and cultivation of an inclusive workplace culture. The brewery offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off, recognizing that employee well-being is crucial to the company’s success. Professional development is encouraged through various training programs and educational opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of Allagash’s workplace philosophy. The brewery has implemented inclusive hiring practices to increase diversity within their workforce, partnering with local organizations to create pathways for candidates from underrepresented communities to enter the brewing industry. Internal education programs raise awareness about racial inequality in the brewing world, fostering a more inclusive environment for all employees.

Allagash’s influence extends far beyond its own operations, setting new benchmarks for the entire craft beer industry. By openly sharing their sustainability goals and achievements, they encourage other breweries to adopt similar practices. Their collaborative approach, often partnering with other breweries on sustainability initiatives and social justice projects, helps elevate the entire industry’s performance in these crucial areas.

The brewery’s commitment to sourcing local and sustainable ingredients has a ripple effect throughout their supply chain, influencing suppliers and partners to adopt more environmentally friendly practices. Through their marketing efforts and tasting room experiences, Allagash educates consumers about sustainable brewing practices and social responsibility, cultivating a more conscious consumer base.

Allagash’s numerous awards and certifications for their sustainability efforts have highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship in the brewing industry, inspiring other breweries to pursue similar accolades. The company is also active in policy advocacy, pushing for legislation that supports sustainable brewing practices, local agriculture, and social equity.

In the realm of industry diversity, Allagash’s support for initiatives like the Michael James Jackson Foundation and their inclusive hiring practices serve as a model for addressing the historical lack of diversity in brewing. By regularly reporting on their environmental, social, and diversity efforts, Allagash maintains transparency and accountability, encouraging other breweries to be more open about their practices and areas for improvement.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchasing decisions, Allagash’s comprehensive approach to corporate responsibility positions them for continued success. More importantly, their influence inspires a new generation of brewers and beer enthusiasts to consider the broader implications of beer production and consumption.

All this make Allagash Brewing Company true Aletruists in the industry, proving that crafting exceptional beer and fostering a better world are not mutually exclusive goals. Their holistic approach to corporate responsibility sets a new standard for the craft brewing industry, demonstrating the positive impact that businesses can have when they prioritize people and planet alongside profit. With every pint poured, Allagash is not just serving great beer – they’re brewing a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for all.

Cheers for good!