FRANCE – The French spirits company, Pernod Ricard has launched ambitious sustainability roadmap, targeting to move to 100% recyclable, compostable, reusable or bio-based packaging by 2025.
The 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility strategy sets out targets to address environmental concerns, nature conservation and social responsibility, by accelerating the fight against alcohol misuse.
The roadmap spells eight 2030 goals supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said the company.
The 8 new Sustainability & Responsibility commitments are built on four key areas: nurturing terroir, valuing people, circular making and responsible hosting.
By 2025, the Group will develop regenerative agriculture pilot projects within its own vineyards in Argentina, California, Cognac, Champagne, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and China.
The firm aims to reduce the overall intensity of its carbon footprint by 50% in line with the Science-Based Targets initiative by 2030.
“We are 19,000 ‘créateurs de convivialité’ – passionate hosts but also respectful guests on our planet. Sharing our values, respecting our terroirs and promoting responsible consumption are all conditions for sustainable growth,” said Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“Yesterday, today and tomorrow, we will continue to create for the long-term.”
A sustainable environment for all
It has also unveiled plans to embed a UN Human Rights approach across its value chain, address waste water and move towards fully renewable electricity.
In an ambition to move towards a recyclable and circular economy, the company has said it will ban all promotional items made from single-use plastic and pilot 5 new circular ways of distributing wine & spirits by promoting low recycling levels.
It will also support fight against alcohol abuse with programs put in place in various markets on alcohol misuse.
By 2030, Pernod Ricard said it will expand its Responsible Party program globally to reach at least 1 million young adults to support responsible alcohol consumption.
“We know that our customers have now come to expect our brands to be responsible and respectful of the environment – values that have been at the very heart of our business since its inception,” said Vanessa Wright, VP Sustainability & Responsibility.
“These 2030 commitments provide us with a focused framework across our business in helping to address some of the biggest sustainability issues, so consumers can enjoy our products in a convivial and sustainable way.”
Pernod Ricard said it has reduced its water consumption per litre of alcohol by 20% and its carbon emissions by 30% per unit of production.
Last year, it announced plans to eliminate the use of plastic straws and stirrers from its portfolio.
