Bulmers cider manufacturer C&C Group plc has compiled a new report called "Drinks Industry Sustainability Index - Trends Report 2020" in collaboration with sustainable research company Footprint Intelligence.
The report analyses the extent to which the drinks industry is adopting sustainable strategies and practices for packaging, waste, water, emissions, energy, social impact and raw materials, and it found that the industry currently scores an average of just 4.8 out of 10 for the categories outlined.
According to C&C, the drinks industry's score lags considerably behind other sectors for which Footprint also publishes sustainability index trends reports.
The "Drinks Industry Sustainability Index - Trends Report 2020" provides key action points for the industry to follow, with a particular focus on:
- Understanding and mitigating the environmental impact in supply and value chains
- Openly engaging with consumer concerns about plastic and packaging
- Understanding how a proactive approach to managing waste can enhance brand stories
- Encouraging policy makers to support the establishment of greater recycling infrastructure
- Considering water usage in a global context
- Using science when setting CO2 targets
- Understanding how the plant-based explosion and low alcohol trends are impacting the drinks industry
C&C stated that all of its key raw materials for beer and cider brands are sourced locally, and that it is committed to a target of being 100% carbon-neutral by 2025.
C&C also said that it is on course to remove all single-use plastics from its consumer packaging by 2021.
"Clear" Objectives
C&C operations director Pat Morrissey commented, "When we embarked on this project our objectives were clear - to build an accurate picture of sustainability in the sector and to offer insights that would enable businesses up and down the supply and value chains to make more informed decisions.
"I believe this inaugural report represents a solid start towards achieving our ambitious environmental targets, by offering a comprehensive and concise analysis of our current position and setting out a practical roadmap to help guide our industry in tackling the environmental challenges we face."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
