The Suntory Group has announced that it aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.
The Group’s European arm, Suntory Beverage and Food Europe (SBFE), will focus its sustainability efforts on implementing renewable energy solutions, using ‘next-generation’ infrastructure options, and working with supply chain stakeholders towards a carbon-free society.
According to Suntory, SBFE and its local business operations have already committed to Science Based Targets for emission reductions by 2030.
Progress towards these has reportedly been made by investing in new, energy-efficient production lines, using more sustainable packaging materials, and switching to renewable energy purchase agreements.
Earlier this year, Suntory launched a new production line at the Lucozade Ribena Suntory facility in Coleford, UK, which had been installed following a £13 million investment. This upgrade is said to allow a 40% energy and water saving per bottled beverage, compared to the previous line, thanks to the introduction of new dry aseptic technology which uses pressurised heat and air to clean bottles before they are filled.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory has also previously set out a goal of achieving 100% sustainable plastic packaging by 2030, a target that’s aligned through the Suntory Group. This is expected to contribute to carbon reduction targets by reducing use of fossil fuel-based virgin plastics.
Suntory says this latest announcement raises the ambitions established in its ‘environmental vision toward 2050’, which was initially formulated in 2014.
Other goals contained in its global sustainability blueprint include achieving sustainable water usage at its primary raw material farms and reducing water consumption at Suntory plants worldwide.
Michelle Norman, director of external affairs and sustainability at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, said: “The drive toward zero carbon across our entire value chain by 2050 requires not only commitment and innovation, but also a willingness to challenge accepted wisdom.
“We see a key role for sustainable packaging in helping us meet our net zero carbon ambition, knowing that CO2 emissions from recycled plastic (rPET) production are approximately 50% lower than those from manufacturing virgin plastic.
“We are determined to go further, with the elimination of all fossil fuel-based plastic from our bottles by 2030, which is just one key milestone on the route to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
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