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Environmental Sustainability

Our path to zero impact.

Reducing our Carbon Emmisions

We're committed to reducing our carbon footprint and tackling climate change and aim for net zero carbon emissions in production by 2030 and net zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2040.

We've already made progress, achieving a 20% reduction in emissions from our production sites by the end of 2022, compared to our 2018 baseline. But we know there's more work to be done. We’re reliant on our suppliers and business partners to support our ambition and to set out on their own net zero journeys. Together we’ll work towards a more sustainable future.
Manchester United fan Kym Marsh and Man City fan Craig Cash ditch club colours and agree that Manchester is GREEN to celebrate HEINEKEN UK’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Our Investment into Manchester Brewery

At our Manchester brewery we’re kick starting our journey to reduce carbon emissions this year.  

We already buy electricity from renewable sources and now we’re aiming to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels like gas. To do this we’ve invested in new heat pump technology which will take excess heat that was once wasted and turn it into new power which we’ll reuse to brew and pack our beers like Heineken, Birra Moretti and Foster’s.  

By creating this circular process to reuse heat, we reduce our carbon footprint and Brew a Better World.

Reducing Emissions Beyond Production

To reduce our carbon footprint, we know we need to focus on the value chain beyond our production activities.

Agriculture is the biggest contributor to our total carbon footprint.  That's why we're working with farmers to reduce carbon emissions from barley farming. Already, 100% of our barley is UK grown and sustainably sourced, with Red Tractor accreditation.

100% of the apples we press at our Ledbury cider mill are from the UK. The apple waste generated in making our Inch’s Cider is reused to generate green energy.

Improving Use and Increasing Reuse

We’re committed to reducing waste and maximising circularity. Our Green Grip, a plastic-free and recyclable cardboard topper for multi-packs helped us eliminate all consumer-facing secondary plastic from our packaged beers and ciders by the end of 2022 - removing approximately 158 tonnes of plastic in total!

In 2021, we piloted producing lower-carbon glass Heineken bottles using biofuels and increased recycled content, reducing emissions by up to 90% per bottle. 

Water Efficiency

Water. Without it, we don’t have beer. It’s essential for our beers and ciders, and with climate change, it's more important than ever that we use and replenish it responsibly.

Our SmartDispense technology is already helping our customers serve quality drinks whilst reducing water use in their pubs, bars and restaurants. Since 2012, it’s helped to save more than 134 million pints of water.

We're committed to improving our water efficiency, so we can continue to make great drinks with as little impact on the environment as possible. Our 2025 ambition is to reach a water efficiency of 2.71hl for every hectolitre of beer and cider produced.