Carlsberg & WWF Unite to Protect Water Supply in Asia
The global beer market is projected to reach a volume of US$368bn by 2029, with Asia currently holding a 31% share of the global beer market. For the past 14 years, the Asian continent has been the world's largest beer-consuming region. Yet over 75% of Asia is considered water insecure.
To combat this, Carlsberg Group has partnered with WWF in an initiative aimed at restoring wetland ecosystems and increasing water availability in critical basins across China and Laos.
Carlsberg and WWF partner to restore vital wetlands in Asia
Carlsberg has undergone extensive water risk assessment of its brewery sites across the world, targeting four locations where the company's operations face heightened water risks, including declining water quality and deteriorating ecosystems.
These areas are within the Yangtze and Mekong River basins, which are not only strategically important for Carlsberg but also hold significant human and ecological value.
"Water is an essential part of our products and it is vital for us as a company to engage in a broader basin context as part of our water stewardship journey,” said Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, Head of Sustainability & ESG at Carlsberg. “The challenges of replenishing local water resources are ever more eminent, with climate changes taking effect."
The partnership's scope includes three projects along China's Yangtze River and one near the Mekong River in Vientiane, Laos. In China, efforts will be focused on protecting habitats for endangered species.
Carlsberg will also construct new wetlands to filter nutrients from wastewater, whilst purifying aquaculture effluent to improve local biodiversity. The Laos project aims to improve water level management and aquatic flora conditions.
Carlsberg: Committed to achieving zero water waste
Carlsberg aims to replenish 100% of the water consumption at the four breweries mentioned in the partnership, contributing to its broader strategy of reaching 100% replenishment of water consumption, at breweries in high-risk areas by 2030.
Carlsberg's Together Towards ZERO and Beyond programme has already set ambitious sustainability targets across various environmental and social dimensions.
By focusing on water risks at the basin level, Carlsberg Group and WWF are setting a precedent for how businesses can contribute to water security.
"We are pleased to see the partnership with WWF launched, as we are committed to addressing the challenges of safeguarding precious freshwater resources internationally,” said Carlsberg’s Simon Boas Hoffmeyer. “At Carlsberg Group, we are committed to achieving zero water waste as part of our Together Towards ZERO and Beyond programme."
The project will be closely monitored by sustainability professionals, as well as external industry observers alike and may be used as an example for future collaborations.
"Nature is in trouble. Therefore, all companies should map and reduce their impact on nature,” warned Bo Øksnebjerg, former Secretary General of WWF and EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services “We are very pleased that the Carlsberg Group is leading the way in restoring unique wetlands in China and Laos. The partnership will protect and restore rivers and wetlands for the benefit of both local communities and nature."
It is hoped that the success of this initiative will lead to a more comprehensive approach for water stewardship across the food and drinks sector.
******
Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Food Digital.
******
Food Digital is a BizClik brand
