Asahi: Cutting Plastics From Beverage Packaging

Established in 1889 in Japan, Asahi Group has evolved into a global powerhouse in the alcoholic beverages sector, boasting a portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Asahi, Peroni and Kozel.

The company's sustainability framework centres on ambitious targets designed to tackle climate change whilst driving resource efficiency across its operations.

Sustainability Magazine has positioned Asahi at 64th place in its Top 250 World's Most Sustainable Companies 2025, recognising the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Addressing climate risks through decarbonisation

Climate change represents a substantial business risk that demands immediate action.

Asahi's Carbon Zero plan outlines the company's roadmap to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

The strategy includes interim objectives to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70% and cut Scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year.

The focus lies on deploying renewable energy solutions and advancing decarbonisation in manufacturing fuel processes.

The company is engaging with its suppliers and partners to target greenhouse gas reductions throughout the value chain.

Asahi has also committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources across all operations by 2040, bringing forward its initial 2050 target by a full decade.

Drahomira Mandikova, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Asahi, says: "To ensure delivery on our 2030 and 2040 commitments and carve a deserved long-term place in society, Asahi Group leadership is determined to accelerate innovation and co-creation by identifying and investing in sustainable practices, while also future-proofing our business and building trust by strengthening relationships with all stakeholders."

Tackling plastic through circular economy

According to the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, more than 8.3 billion tons of PET bottles and other plastics have been produced worldwide since 1950, with 6.3 billion tons ending up as waste.

Asahi is working to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging as part of its circular economy ambitions.

The company aims to protect marine biodiversity by minimising resource consumption in packaging production and promoting recycling initiatives.

Asahi has set a target to achieve 100% utilisation of materials for plastic containers by 2025, with plans to reach a 100% conversion rate to recycled or bio-based materials for PET bottles by 2030.

The strategy includes promoting the development of new sustainable materials, expanding the use of recycled content and offering products without plastic labels.

When designing packaging solutions, Asahi prioritises preserving product quality whilst ensuring the packaging remains sufficiently strong and durable for effective transportation.

Building partnerships for environmental innovation

In 2024, Asahi unveiled its Sustainability Growth Platform as part of its broader sustainability commitments.

The platform is designed to facilitate collaboration with start-ups and scaleups to develop environmental solutions across seven key areas:

• Sustainable agriculture and raw materials
• Renewable energy and efficiency
• Sustainable packaging and circular economy
• Water conservation and efficiency
• Sustainable transportation
• Sustainable product design and go-to-market models
• New impact business models

The initiative operates through collaboration with Asahi Group and receives support from venture capital firm Antler.

The platform aims to help startups establish relationships with Asahi Group and its network of venture capital firms and industry partners.

Collaborators gain access to Asahi's expertise, insights and specialised tools to support product development.

Atushi Katsuki, President and Group CEO at Asahi, says: "Looking ahead, many expect current geopolitical risks to grow in complexity and climate change to develop crisis proportions.

"We help create meaningful connections between people, nature, communities and society by delivering on our great taste promise and facilitating fun times and, in so doing, creating a legacy of a brighter world tomorrow.

"Fulfilling this commitment to the future is our way of helping to realise a sustainable society."