Diageo, a major player in the beverages sector, generates a significant amount of packaging. In its pursuit of reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing sustainability in packaging has emerged as a primary focus for the company.
At FoodNavigator’s renowned Climate Smart Food summit, Dr. Dave Lütkenhaus, the global director of innovation and sustainability at Diageo, shared insightful strategies for minimizing emissions associated with packaging.
How does Diageo aim to reduce Scope 3 emissions?
According to Lütkenhaus, packaging accounts for approximately one-third of Diageo’s Scope 3 emissions. Consequently, addressing emissions from packaging is crucial for the business.
The company is focused on both reducing the volume of packaging it utilizes and innovating the materials it employs. For instance, Diageo is currently testing paper packaging solutions. Recently, it evaluated paper packaging for Baileys minis, which consists of 90% paper along with a thin plastic liner and foil seal.
When compared to the previous PET plastic used for Baileys minis, this transition resulted in a remarkable 50% reduction in carbon emissions, as noted by Lütkenhaus. Furthermore, when compared to recyclable PET plastic, emissions were reduced by 25%.
In addition, trials with Baileys aluminum bottles have shown a 44% emissions reduction. Lütkenhaus explained that these bottles primarily utilize recycled aluminum, with only the cap being made from virgin aluminum.
Diageo is also committed to minimizing single-use plastics. For popular brands such as Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, and Gordon’s, the company is collaborating with technology firm Ecosprits. Drinks will be delivered to select bars in a reusable container called the ‘Ecotote,’ capable of being used up to 150 times. During its lifespan, Lütkenhaus stated that this initiative could prevent the use of over 1,000 glass bottles.
Why does Diageo want lighter packaging?
Diageo targets a 10% reduction in packaging weight by 2030. According to Lütkenhaus, weight plays a critical role in sustainability, serving as an indicator of reduced packaging and associated carbon emissions.
Moreover, the advantages of lighter packaging extend beyond sustainability. “Lighter packages are typically more convenient,” Lütkenhaus highlighted. “So there is a consumer benefit that we always strive for.”
How does Diageo aim for sustainable packaging globally?
Operating in diverse global markets, Diageo faces varying recycling regulations. What strategies does it employ to address this complexity?
Lütkenhaus remarked, “As you know, recycling regulations can have a lot of nuances depending on the region, and that’s why we work very closely with our in-market teams.”
The challenges are twofold: Diageo must not only comprehend the regulations of each region but also the practical aspects of recycling processes available there. The innovation teams, as Lütkenhaus explained, need to grasp the infrastructure of each region to ensure that their products are indeed recyclable.
To enhance its recycling capabilities, Diageo is partnering with the NGO Wrap. This collaboration aims to deepen the company’s understanding of regional infrastructures, ultimately improving its recycling efficiency worldwide.
