UK – Global beverage giant Diageo has initiated an open innovation call, seeking solutions for water management across its expansive global supply chain in a move towards sustainable practices.
This initiative is part of the Diageo Sustainable Solutions program, inaugurated in 2020 following the launch of the company’s 10-year ESG action plan, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.
Ewan Andrew, President of Global Supply and Procurement and Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the critical role of water, stating, “Water is our most important resource at Diageo for our communities, our operations, and our products.”
The Diageo Sustainable Solutions program aims to bridge the innovation gap necessary to meet ambitious targets, recognizing that new technologies and approaches are essential for systemic change.
This marks the fourth round of challenges issued by Diageo, with 14 ongoing pilots from previous calls focusing on areas such as packaging, agriculture, and carbon reduction.
The current innovation challenges address five key points in Diageo’s supply chain, including water efficiency in operations, waste stream optimization, climate and water risk reduction in ingredient sourcing, agricultural water efficiency, and enhancing water use in the hospitality sector.
Andrew added, “Diageo Sustainable Solutions gives us a unique opportunity to search far and wide externally to connect with fast-moving innovators who can challenge our status quo and scale their technology.”
John Cant, Head of Diageo Sustainable Solutions said, “We will give successful innovators the platform to pilot, the investment to scale it if successful at pilot, and throughout the process we’ll support the innovators with our expertise and resources for success.”
Applications for the water-focused challenges are open until March 20, 2024, inviting global innovators to propose solutions. This initiative underscores Diageo’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, aligning with the company’s broader efforts to drive positive change in the beverage industry.
Recently, Diageo announced its support for the expansion of Glass Futures initiatives in North America and India. The company will provide seed funding to accelerate the decarbonization of the glass industry, with a focus on exploring new technologies and approaches to reduce carbon emissions in two of Diageo’s largest markets.
This strategic move reinforces Diageo’s holistic approach to sustainability, addressing challenges not only within its own operations but also extending support to initiatives that align with its commitment to environmental responsibility.
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