CCEP Ventures, the innovation arm of CCEP, has partnered with venture creator Deep Science Ventures (DSV) to collaborate with water specialists and entrepreneurs capable of developing and successfully scaling novel technologies to address water-related challenges. This partnership aims to support CCEP’s sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to replenish 100% of the water used in its beverages each year.
Water plays a crucial role in the beverage industry, serving as an essential ingredient and being integral to agricultural and manufacturing processes. With global fresh water demand expected to surpass supply by 40% in the coming years, it is vital for businesses to find new solutions to enhance water availability.
The program’s goal is to develop innovative solutions to alleviate water stress. Successful applicants will join the venture creation program as a Founder in Residence and work closely with the DSV and CCEP Ventures team to spin out a new company. Once the new venture is incorporated with pre-seed investment, co-founders will hold a majority stake in the business.
Craig Twyford, head of CCEP Ventures, emphasized the importance of innovating in response to water scarcity, stating, “We have a responsibility to think innovatively about how we respond to this issue. The launch of this project reflects our ongoing commitment to water stewardship, and our ambition to build a more water-secure world.”
Adam Tomassi-Russell, Climate and Energy Director at DSV, highlighted the significance of the partnership in addressing fresh water supply challenges, leveraging DSV’s outcome-focused venture creation methodology to build resiliency into the global supply of industrial fresh water.
The project will bolster CCEP’s existing water stewardship efforts, which include specific targets for water use at its manufacturing sites and investments in water efficiency technology and processes. Additionally, over 20 water replenishment projects are underway across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific to mitigate water risks near CCEP’s operations and in local communities.
