Leading drinks group Beam Suntory has revealed long-term commitments to sustainability across every facet of its value chain – “from seed to sip” – in a new strategy titled Proof Positive.
“Making a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities isn’t just the right thing to do; it is a must-do for the sustainability of our business and humanity” – Beam Suntory President and CEO Albert Baladi
The company plans to invest over US$1 billion in protecting the environment, consumers and communities.
Its goals include a -50% reduction in water usage and the planting of 500,000 trees annually by 2030. It will invest US$500 million to encourage consumers to make responsible drinking choices, donate one million volunteer hours and foster greater diversity, equity and inclusion across its businesses.
The company said its strategy is aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to create a more sustainable and equitable future for Beam Suntory and its stakeholders.
Beam Suntory President and CEO Albert Baladi commented: “Making a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities isn’t just the right thing to do; it is a must-do for the sustainability of our business and humanity.”
He said Proof Positive takes inspiration from Suntory’s vision of Growing for Good corporate social responsibility policy. It also represents a step change in the company’s sustainability ambitions.
“Our quality products start with the blessings of nature, and we are determined to give back to nature more than we use. We are fundamentally committed to reducing harmful drinking, and we will increase investment to support consumers in making responsible choices.
“We will use our platform to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and leave a lasting legacy for our teams, community and our industry.”
Baladi described Proof Positive as a “critical roadmap towards 2030, 2040, and beyond for how we will positively impact the environment, our consumers and our communities”.
Proof Positive targets for 2030 and 2040 centre on nature, consumers and communities.
Nature Positive
Through investments in efficient technology and cleaner fuels, Beam Suntory noted it has reduced water use per unit of production by -22% and reduced greenhouse gases emitted by direct operations by -19%.
Its bold new targets focus on the environment, suppliers and packaging. Beam Suntory aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by -50% across direct operations by 2030, with an ambition to remove more carbon than is emitted across the entire value chain by 2040.
The Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery, set to open later this year in Clermont, Kentucky, will be the company’s first distillery powered by renewable energy.
Beam Suntory targets a -50% reduction in water usage by 2030 and will plant more trees than those harvested to make whiskey barrels – a commitment to plant 500,000 trees annually by 2030.
The company will work only with suppliers that use sustainable practices by 2040 and use 100% recyclable packaging and 40% recycled materials by weight across the packaging portfolio by 2030.
Consumer Positive
To underline its commitment to reducing harmful drinking, Beam Suntory will invest US$500 million to promote responsible decisions and will extend its Drink Smart programme.
The company will also develop and promote the awareness of low or no-ABV products in key categories, including whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka and ready-to-drink, by 2030.
Nutrition and alcohol content information will be available on packaging or online for all products by 2030.
Community Positive
Beam Suntory’s goals include reaching 50% women in leadership positions globally and an increase in gender, racial, and ethnic representation across its businesses.
The company will contribute one million cumulative volunteer hours to communities around the world by 2030 and continue to invest in initiatives and organisations that support on-trade partners, build stronger communities and promote social justice.
