- The showcase highlighted investment across the sector’s supply chains that supports green growth, local jobs and resilient communities
- BBPA calls on the government to restore resilience across the supply chain and release potential through green funding
MPs saw firsthand how the industry is leading the way in sustainable innovation and investment as part of the British Beer and Pub Association’s Brewing Green event this week.
The event, on Tuesday, 9 September, hosted by Jacob Collier MP, highlighted investment across the sector’s supply chain and how this supports green growth, local jobs and resilient communities.
Presentations from Heineken, PunchPubs, ABInBev, and Greene King were among a huge number of pubs and brewers from around the country, who proved how the industry is reducing its environmental footprint whilst pursuing sustainable innovation and growth. Collectively, the sector has played a direct role in tackling the impact of climate change, achieving a 70% reduction in brewing emissions since 1990.
Some of the sector’s highlights include Heineken’s journey towards net zero carbon emissions across all major production sites. The company’s Manchester Brewery is testament to this target, with a £25m investment into a state-of-the-art heat pump network projected to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
ABInBev has made strides in improving water efficiency across brewing, packaging and cleaning; reducing evaporation rates by 50% and significantly cutting their volume of cleaning water and chemicals used.
Pub companies have also shown a keen interest in investing into the circular economy. Greene King has partnered with reusable packaging innovators Again across 22 of their pubs in the North West of England. The initiative aims to reduce the amount of single-use glass bottles by having empty bottles thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at a CleanCell operated by Again – meaning bottles can be reused multiple times.
Punch Pubs & Co used boiler upgrades and smart meters to improve the efficiency of their estate which not only reduces the environmental impact of their operations, but also saves money for their licensees.
The BBPA said the showcase demonstrated why Government must act to help the industry deliver growth and innovation in a sustainable way.
The BBPA is calling on Government to reduce the complexity and costs of the environmental regulatory framework, resource greater development of low carbon technologies through investment, release potential for carbon reduction and restore local resilience across the supply chain.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:
"It’s inspiring to see the UK’s beer and pub sector leading the way in green innovation and investment, proving that sustainable brewing can go hand-in-hand with economic growth.
“This event showcased a clear commitment to green growth, but it’s also a timely reminder that these efforts need strong support- through policy, investment, and collaboration - if we’re to truly unlock their full potential. I commend the industry’s vision and urge continued backing to ensure a thriving, sustainable future.”
Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, said:
“My constituency of Burton and Uttoxeter is the home of brewing, so I am delighted to be hosting British Beer and Pub Association’s Brewing Green event in Parliament.
“Currently the sector leads the way in sustainability with reducing waste and improving water efficiency, but there is always more to be done.
“I will continue to push for clearer tools and framework from the Government, so our pubs and breweries can succeed in achieving their full potential when it comes to sustainability and green growth.”
Brewing Green wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the following companies:
ABInBev, Adnams, Asahi, Bairds Malt, Budweiser, CarlsbergBritvic, Greene King, Guardians of Grub Heineken, Kegstar, Magb, Matthew Clark, Molson Coors, Muntons, PedalMe, Punch Pubs & Co., Robinsons Brewery and Pubs, St Austell, Thwaites, Tennents, Wadworth, Zero Carbon Forum