Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, maker of brands including Ribena and Lucozade, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from its direct operations and by 30% across its value chain by 2030.
This is a new interim target for the business, as part of its existing commitment to net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. All companies within the Suntory Group share the target.
Michelle Norman, Director Of External Affairs and Sustainability at Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I said: “This new interim goal is ambitious and aims to accelerate our progress towards net zero.
“To achieve this reduction, we will be examining every aspect of our supply chain operations and wider value chain from ingredients in our drinks and materials in manufacturing to fuel in our vehicles and fertiliser on our farms. Minimising our environmental impact is a key part of our Growing For Good vision and what our customers and consumers expect from us.”
Since 2015, SBF GB&I has reduced its carbon footprint by a quarter. Consistent improvement over the five-year period is due to a new energy and water-efficient bottling line, continued investment in warehousing and operations efficiencies and using increasing amounts of recycled plastic (rPET) in primary packaging.
In 2020, Ribena became the largest UK soft drink brand to use 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic bottles. This shift from using virgin plastic made from fossil fuels to rPET reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 79% and builds towards SBF GB&I’s ambition to move to fully sustainable packaging by 2030.
The manufacturer continues with an array of initiatives and recently celebrated a year of using 100% purchased renewable electricity at its Gloucestershire and London sites, and is transitioning its fleet over to hybrid vehicles while trialling electric vehicles for its city-centre sales teams.
Norman added: “Improving the sustainability of both our packaging and processes is vital on this journey and we are well on our way with many of our drinks. We have already reduced our carbon footprint by 25% in the last five years and we are committed to doing all we can to play our part in the journey to net zero.”
