Ambev Implements Ambitious Carbon Emission Reduction Plans; Also Invests In New Breweries

Brazilian brewing company Ambev, with facilities in 19 countries in Latin America and Canada, is committed to several sustainability goals, including a large – 25 percent – reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. To help achieve that goal, the company has introduced new microturbine technology in its factories to reduce CO2 emissions by 482 tons a year. Ambev partnered with an energy generation startup based in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul to implement Capstone microturbine technology from the U.S. The start-up (Luming Inteligência Energética) installed a prototype in one factory and units in three other breweries in the states of São Paulo and Paraná. Together, they produce 449,000 kwh of energy a month, the equivalent of planting more than 2,800 trees a year, Ambev says. The company also announced that, to meet growing competition from aggressively expanding Heineken NV, it would invest $432 million in new brewing plants in Brazil. 

"Ambev reduces CO2 emissions by 482 tons a year", Food Navigator LatAm, March 12, 2020

Whole Leaf Tea From English Tea Shop Comes In New Sustainable Packaging

The new sustainable packaging being used by English Tea Shop for its range of Whole Leaf Tea is inspired by the ingredients and colors of Sri Lanka, the source of the tea. Available in 18 blends, including English Breakfast and in combinations such as Turmeric, Ginger & Lemongrass, the tea comes as higher quality intact leaves held in a pouch made from GMO-free cellulose fiber, and paired with a reusable scoop. The cardboard box is 100 percent compostable and unfolds like a flower to reveal mandalas that celebrate the ingredients and contents. Earlier this month, the English Tea Shop received $3 million in funding from HSBC U.K., allocated as part of its lending fund to support the company’s “ambitious” growth strategy.

"English Tea Shop unveils new range with sustainable packaging", FoodBev Media , April 02, 2020

Coca-Cola Japan Eliminates Labels From Multi-Pack Bottles Of I Lohas Water

Coca-Cola Japan this month is switching to new bottle designs for its market leading “clear beverages” brand I Lohas water that eliminate labels, are made from 100 percent recycled plastic, and  retain the malleability that makes them easy to crush into compact recyclable sizes. The new label-free bottle designs will be sold in cases displaying nutritional information, etc., of 24 for $26) at supermarkets, drug stores, and online retailers. Bottles sold separately will still have the label.

"Leading bottled water brand in Japan goes label-free to reduce waste, angers many", SoraNews24, April 08, 2020

Bottles Made Using New Enzymatic Recycling Technology Usher In New Sustainability Era

U.K. beverage maker Lucozade Ribena Suntory will soon begin selling some of its most popular soft drink brands packaged in “100 percent sustainable” plastic bottles. Ribena, Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Sport were on track for PET packs that could “better prevent plastic pollution from harming our oceans and planet” LRS said. Bio-industrial solutions company Carbios has developed a process through which a newly created mutant enzyme breaks down PET waste into chemicals that are recycled in an “extremely efficient” manner into high-quality new packaging. The Carbios process heraldas “a real transition to a circular economy,” paving the way for recycling PET fibers. The technology is backed by beverage industry heavyweights, including LRS parent Suntory Beverage & Food Europe, as well as Nestlé Waters and PepsiCo.

"Ribena and Lucozade to be ‘first to get 100 percent sustainable’ plastic bottles", The Grocer UK, April 09, 2020

Open Water Achieves “Climate Neutral” Certification, Thanks Partly To Aluminum Packaging

Independent nonprofit Climate Neutral, whose mission is to speed up “the transition to a low-carbon world,” has certified Chicago-based bottled water company Open Water as Climate Neutral, meaning the company has achieved net-zero carbon emissions. Open Water, formerly Green Sheep Water, packages its electrolyte-enriched beverage in “infinitely recyclable” aluminum bottles and cans and by using aluminum caps instead of plastic ones. To achieve the certification, the company calculated its 2019 carbon footprint from manufacturing and production through finished product delivery; committed to a plan to cut future greenhouse gas emissions; and invested in two forest conservation projects and in another that collects and destroys methane gas emissions.

"Open Water Becomes First Climate Neutral Certified Bottled Water Company", BevNET.com, April 30, 2020