The commitments come as part of its new sustainability program, ‘Together Towards Zero’, launched today.
Carlsberg says the program comes in response to increased demand for sustainable products, as well as global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity.
The program also addresses public health issues such as irresponsible drinking: and as part of its public health commitments it will create 100% distribution of alcohol-free beer by 2022 alongside providing nutritional information online and on packaging.
Focus on the environment
The ‘Together Towards Zero’ program covers four areas: a zero carbon footprint, zero water waste, targeting irresponsible drinking, and creating a zero accidents culture.
Carlsberg says the program has been developed in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while emission reductions will go beyond the base level ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement on climate change.
As part of its zero carbon commitment, Carlsberg is aiming for zero carbon emissions at its breweries by 2030, and 100% use of renewable electricity by 2022.
In addition, beer-in-hand emissions (the full life-cycle carbon footprint of a product including aspects such as agricultural production and transport logistics) will be reduced by 30% by 2030.
Nutritional information
Carlsberg will provide nutritional information both online and on pack for its beers.
With consumers wanting to know more about what they eat and drink, similar commitments have been made from companies such as AB InBev, Treasury Wine Estates, Diageo, MillerCoors and Heineken.
Carlsberg will expand consumer choice by offering 100% distribution of non-alcoholic beer. It will also provide responsible drinking messaging as well as partnering with other agencies to promote this.
Carlsberg has also pledged to halve brewery water usage by 2030, and is working with partners to improve water management in high-risk areas.
Carlsberg says that employee health and safety comes first, and work related accidents are unacceptable. It has pledged to build a zero accidents culture across its organization.
Cees 't Hart, CEO, Carlsberg Group, said: “Global challenges such as climate change and water scarcity require strong collective action, and with Together Towards Zero we’re setting new industry standards for science-based and partnership-driven sustainability.
“I'm certain that in achieving our targets we'll create efficiency improvements, risk reduction and a more resilient business that exists in harmony with local communities and the environment.”
The Carlsberg Group sells products in more than 150 markets, including its flagship Carlsberg brand. Headquartered in Denmark, its Baltika, Carlsberg and Tuborg brands are among the eight biggest brands in Europe.