Carlsberg makes strong progress towards sustainability targets

Danish brewer Carlsberg has released its 2017 Sustainability Report, which shows that the brand has reduced carbon emissions at its plants by 16% since 2015, and has stopped using coal to power nine of its breweries in China.

The report indicates the initial success of the brand’s ‘Together towards Zero’ sustainability programme established in June 2017, which set sustainability targets for 2022 and 2030 and outlined the brand’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and water waste.

Carlsberg stated that it would use 100% renewable electricity as a source of energy by 2022 in the programme, and the report shows that 46% of the energy used by the group is now from renewable sources.

The report also shows that the brand has reduced water usage in its global breweries by 6% since 2015, with the brand claiming its 3.1 hl/hl water usage is an “industry-leading” figure.

However, the brand has stated that it wants to halve water usage at its breweries by 2030, so there is still some way to go before this ambition is realised.

As part of the ‘Together towards Zero’ programme, the brand converted its brewery in Falkenberg, Sweden into its first carbon-neutral facility, as the facility is completely powered by biogas and renewable electricity.

Meanwhile, Carlsberg CEO Cees ’t Hart joined the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders earlier this year, and he said: “2017 was an important year for the Carlsberg Group with the launch of our new sustainability programme and our most ambitious targets to date.

“I’m personally very proud of the steps we’re taking to address some of the challenges related to climate change and water scarcity. And in the process, we’re increasing our efficiency and building resilience in our supply chain.”

The Together towards Zero programme also outlined plans to curb irresponsible drinking and reduce accidents in the workplace.

According to the report, Carlsberg made significant progress towards its ‘zero accidents’ target, with a 42% reduction in ‘lost-time’ accidents compared with 2016 after the brand implemented new safety procedures.

To curb irresponsible drinking, Carlsberg has started providing consumers with more detailed product information on packaging, and the brand has pledged to provide more alcohol-free options to fulfil this ambition.