The Japanese beverage group has reported a 19% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 to 2025. Its next objective is to lower absolute Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions by 30% from the 2019 baseline by 2030, before reaching a 90% reduction by 2050.
Packaging and raw materials remain the company’s largest sources of emissions. However, packaging-related emissions decreased by 38% over the period, while emissions associated with raw materials dropped by 12%. These results reflect wider food and drink sustainability priorities and highlight the role of packaging within current food manufacturing trends.
Emissions from co-manufactured finished goods moved in the opposite direction, increasing by 26%. The rise demonstrates how heavily the company depends on suppliers and contract manufacturers to deliver its climate commitments across the value chain.
Packaging transformation forms a central part of the strategy. Planned measures include reducing the volume of material used, increasing recycled content and developing more efficient container designs. These initiatives also align with evolving food and drink packaging expectations, as businesses respond to consumer demand and tightening food and drink regulations.
Suntory aims to ensure that all primary polyethylene terephthalate packaging is either manufactured entirely from recycled material or made without fossil-based inputs.
The group has already begun working with suppliers responsible for more than half of its Scope 3 emissions. Further reductions will depend on improvements in manufacturing processes, lower energy use and changes in material selection throughout the supply chain—areas closely connected to advances in food processing technology and broader food and drink industry innovation.
According to Suntory’s sustainability information, these targets support a wider ambition to achieve net-zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2050. Progress will also influence how the business responds to food and beverage industry trends, food distribution trends and changing food and drink consumer trends.
Suntory expects climate-related operating expenditure to reach €185.4m (£156m) between 2027 and 2030. Packaging initiatives are projected to account for the largest share of this investment, while the company’s wider approach will shape its food and drink marketing and sustainability strategy.