HEINEKEN launches “Packaging the Future” to accelerate carbon transition of its packaging suppliers.

HEINEKEN has launched “Packaging the Future”, a programme to accelerate the carbon transition of their packaging suppliers.

The top 50 suppliers were invited to an online summit to network and set clear targets in climate action. This is an important milestone in the company’s goal to decarbonise its own production by 2030 and its full value chain by 2040, which is one of the 22 refreshed Brew a Better World 2030 ambitions announced last year.

“Packaging represents 27% of our total carbon footprint and our top 50 suppliers account for 85% of our total packaging carbon footprint. We want to work collaboratively across our value chain to scale our impact”, said Hervé le Faou, HEINEKEN’S Chief Procurement Officer. The summit was attended by the top Executives of the largest suppliers globally. In spirit of collaboration, PepsiCo and Carrefour were invited to participate in the summit by sharing insights on their path to net zero. Two targets were communicated to packaging suppliers: - Submit a Science-Based Net Zero Target (STBi) - Transition to 100% renewable electricity

To deliver these goals, HEINEKEN will sponsor suppliers through a Climate School. HEINEKEN has partnered with SLoCT – Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition to build supplier competency through trainings and customised guidance for SBTi’s process.

From barley to bar, HEINEKEN continues to focus on concrete actions to reduce its carbon footprint, working closely with customers, consumers, and suppliers. “We are fully aware that the journey will be long, but we are progressing step by step”- said Nicolas Clerget, HEINEKEN's Global Sustainable Development Manager – Carbon Lead.

Key milestones on the path to zero impact

HEINEKEN aims for all its production sites to become carbon neutral by maximising energy efficiency and renewable energy use by 2030.

In close partnership with suppliers, also by 2030, HEINEKEN aims to cut emissions by 30% across its entire value chain 1 from a 2018 baseline. Looking ahead to 2040, the company aims to be the first global brewer to reach carbon neutrality in its full value chain.

The company is taking a science-based approach by working closely with the SBTi2 to validate its new commitment.

To mark its commitments, HEINEKEN is joining alliances to drive collective forward momentum. The brewer is proudly becoming a member of the Business Ambition for 1.5C, the Race to Zero as well as RE100.