Green Packaging
We are exploring opportunities for sustainable packaging to bring a point of difference to our brands.
HEINEKEN in the UK has a strong track record of including environmental considerations in packaging decisions. Over the years we have significantly reduced the amount of packaging we use through the introduction of lighter versions.
Lightweighting is a continual process but is only possible after it has been proven that the new package will maintain safety and hygiene during filling, distribution and use.
COURTAULD COMMITMENT SIGNATORY
In 2010 HEINEKEN in the UK become a signatory to the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment - a cross-industry agreement to reduce packaging waste.
The Courtauld Commitment came into effect in 2005 when 40 off trade retailers and brand owners, facilitated by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), agreed two cross-industry targets on packaging - to design out packaging waste growth by 2008 and to deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010.
The second phase of the Commitment, which runs from 2010 to 2012, expands the targets on packaging. These will not only include reducing the weight of packaging put onto the market each year but also to increase the recycled content and recycling rate of packaging, as well as reducing its carbon impact. There are further targets on reducing supply chain waste and household food and drink waste.
Heineken UK's participation as a signatory to the Commitment, supports one of our priorities for Brewing a Better Future in the UK - 'Green Packaging and Innovation'.
Over the years Heineken UK has significantly reduced the amount of packaging we use through the introduction of lighter versions.
Lightweighting is a continual process but is only possible after it has been proven that the new package will maintain safety and hygiene during filling, distribution and use.
Through our work with WRAP and other signatories to the Courtauld Commitment, we look forward to further improving our performance.
Green Cooling
The aim of the green cooling programme is to reduce energy consumption of draught beer systems, off-premise fridges and beer tender appliances by improving energy use, cooling agents and isolation. HEINEKEN in the UK has several projects underway to further reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
We are reviewing our cleaning regimes to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption as well as grey water (waste water generated from cleaning activities). Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company's 'Think Act Save' programme helps lessees reduce energy use. SNPC has also tested heat recovery technology using waste heat produced by cellar cooling to help provide hot water and heating.
Carbon Footprinting
HEINEKEN globally undertook extensive internal studies to develop its own carbon footprint model. In order to achieve a significant reduction of our carbon footprint, we currently incorporate carbon concerns in the decision making processes of innovation, packaging, cooling and distribution.
HEINEKEN in the UK is part of the workstream developing the global Model using our experience of working with the Carbon Trust to carbon footprint two of our brands, Foster's Lager and Bulmers Original.
CARBON TRUST PARTNERSHIP
HEINEKEN in the UK was one of nine leading companies to join the Carbon Trust Supply Chain Carbon Footprinting programme - the first UK alcoholic drinks company to undertake this work.
We were the first brewer and cider maker to work with the Carbon Trust on carbon footprinting. Carbon footprints have been calculated for Foster's (both draught and canned) and Bulmers Original (in glass bottles). This has given us an insight into the emissions associated with the wider supply chain, rather than just our own manufacturing sites.
Our work on the Carbon Footprinting Scheme helped us better understand the impact of our products and informed Heineken's existing work in this area.
