A new guide from Just Drinks details the net-zero emission commitments of the world’s largest beverage manufacturers, highlighting their strategies and progress in the fight against climate change.
The United Nations emphasizes the urgent need to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change. To achieve this goal, emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, as outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Beverage companies are addressing these challenges through specific emission reduction targets categorized into three scopes. According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions in a company’s value chain, which typically represent the largest share of a manufacturer’s emissions.
Some companies are seeking validation for their targets from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a coalition aimed at encouraging the private sector to align its emissions reduction efforts with climate science.
Coca-Cola Company
In November 2024, The Coca-Cola Company announced new environmental goals, replacing its previous targets for 2030 with a focus on 2035. The company aims to reduce its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in line with a 1.5°C trajectory using a 2019 baseline. This shift has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, who argue that the extended timeline may hinder progress.
A spokesperson for Coca-Cola stated, “We are prioritizing goals that seek to improve water security, reduce packaging waste, and decrease emissions. These are complex areas, and we need more time and focused resources to make a meaningful impact.” The company plans to invest in energy-efficient technologies and increase the use of renewable energy in its operations.
Asahi Group Holdings
Japanese beverage giant Asahi Group aims for net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2040. The company has set interim targets, including a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and a 70% reduction by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline. Asahi reported a 32% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2023 and a 12% cut in Scope 3 emissions.
Asahi is also focused on sustainable packaging, aiming for all plastic containers to be recyclable or reusable by 2025 and to achieve 100% recycled content in PET bottles by 2030.
PepsiCo
PepsiCo has set ambitious targets to cut absolute greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by more than 40% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, based on a 2015 baseline. The company reported a 33% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by mid-2024, while Scope 3 emissions saw only a 1% decrease.
To support its sustainability goals, PepsiCo is investing in regenerative agricultural practices and aims to sustainably source 100% of its key ingredients by 2030.
Anheuser-Busch InBev
The world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. The company plans to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2025. In its latest report, AB InBev noted a 39.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to a 2017 baseline.
The brewer is also focusing on reducing emissions from packaging, with a target for all packaging to be returnable or made from recycled content by 2025.
Diageo
Diageo, the largest spirits company globally, aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in its direct operations by 2030 and reduce value chain carbon emissions by 50% in the same timeframe. The company reported a 5.4% decrease in carbon emissions from its operations in its fiscal 2023 report.
Diageo is also committed to increasing the percentage of recycled content in its packaging to 60% and reducing overall packaging weight by 10%.
Carlsberg
Danish brewer Carlsberg targets a 30% reduction in value chain emissions by 2030, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The company has reduced its brewery emissions by 57% since 2015 and aims for all packaging to be recyclable or renewable by 2030.
Carlsberg is also investing in regenerative agricultural practices, with a goal of sourcing 30% of its raw materials from sustainable sources by 2030.
Heineken
Heineken has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions across its full value chain by 2040. The company has made significant progress, reporting a 34% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to a 2018 baseline. Heineken is also focusing on reducing its Scope 3 emissions, particularly in agriculture, with a goal of 30% reduction by 2030.
Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard aims to halve the intensity of its overall carbon footprint by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company reported a 12% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and an 18% decrease in Scope 3 emissions since 2018.
The spirits group is also investing in carbon-neutral distillation processes and aims for all its packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.
Stock Spirits Group
Stock Spirits has set a target to cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 and reduce Scope 3 emissions by approximately 20%. The company is in the process of establishing specific reduction targets for SBTi validation by 2025.
Treasury Wine Estates
Australian wine producer Treasury Wine Estates aims for net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030. The company reported that over 90% of its emissions come from Scope 3, primarily from operations, bottling, and logistics.
Rémy Cointreau
Rémy Cointreau plans to reduce CO2 emissions across all scopes by 27% by 2030 and aims for 100% renewable energy usage in its manufacturing sites by 2050. The company is also exploring the use of low-carbon ingredients in its products.
Conclusion
As the global beverage industry faces increasing pressure to address climate change, major manufacturers are making significant commitments to reduce emissions. While progress varies among companies, the collective efforts signal a growing recognition of the need for sustainability in the sector. The road to net-zero emissions is complex, but with continued innovation and investment, these companies are taking steps toward a more sustainable future.
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