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Beverage giant Diageo has unveiled an open innovation initiative aimed at optimising water usage across its global supply chain. The call, consisting of five water-focused challenges, seeks solutions to enhance water efficiency in various aspects of Diageo's operations. The challenges, integral to the Diageo Sustainable Solutions programme that was initiated in 2020, align with Diageo's ten-year ESG plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress. This latest phase aims to bridge the innovation gap necessary for achieving sustainability goals, recognising the need for novel technologies and approaches. These challenges mark the fourth instalment in a series that has already seen 14 successful pilots across Diageo's operations, addressing issues such as packaging, agriculture and carbon emissions. The innovation challenges cover key points in Diageo's supply chain, targeting improvements in water efficiency in its operations, maximising the value of waste streams, minimising climate and water risks in ingredient sourcing, optimising water efficiency in agricultural operations, and enhancing water use across the hospitality sector. Ewan Andrew, president of global supply and procurement and chief sustainability officer at Diageo, said: “Water is our most important resource at Diageo for our communities, our operations and our products. Diageo Sustainable Solutions gives us a unique opportunity to search far and wide externally to connect with fast-moving innovators who can challenge our status quo and scale their technology.” John Cant, head of Diageo Sustainable Solutions, added: “Our Diageo Sustainable Solutions programme gives us the unique opportunity to work closely with innovators and start-ups in a collaborative way to test their technology within our supply chain. We will give successful innovators the platform to pilot, the investment to scale it if successful at the pilot, and throughout the process, we’ll support the innovators with our expertise and resources for success.” Applications for the water-focused challenges are open until 20 March 2024, with global innovators invited to contribute.