Launched in 2017, Together Towards ZERO is rooted in Carlsberg’s purpose and forms a part of the company’s SAIL’22 strategy. It consists of four major ambitions: ZERO carbon footprint, ZERO water waste, ZERO irresponsible drinking and a ZERO accidents culture. The programme was developed in partnership with leadings experts, including the Carbon Trust and WWF, and is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

For 2018, the Carlsberg Group reports steady progress on its sustainability ambitions, during a year in which the Group also presented strong financial results − accelerating top-line growth and improving margins. Since its 2015 baseline, Carlsberg has reduced relative carbon emissions by 20% and water consumption by 9%, showing the Group’s determination to decouple growth from environmental impacts. In 2018, Carlsberg launched a series of consumer-facing sustainable innovations, including Snap Pack, which reduces both plastic waste and carbon emissions.

Cees 't Hart, CEO of the Carlsberg Group:

“I’m pleased with the progress on our sustainability ambitions since the launch in 2017. We've reduced our relative carbon emissions by 20% since 2015, and with Snap Pack we've demonstrated our ability to bring consumer-relevant innovations to the market. We'll continue to sharpen our focus and accelerate our journey towards ZERO to emphasise that successful business is sustainable business.”

Key sustainability progress:

• 20% reduction in relative carbon emissions since 2015 (5% since 2017)
• 46% of electricity globally and 100% in Western Europe now comes from renewable sources (+1 %-point since 2017; +5 %-point since 2015)
• 20% of total energy now comes from renewable sources such as biogas, biomass, solar, wind and hydro (+2 %-points since 2017; +5 %-points since 2015)
• 9% reduction in water consumption since 2015 (same as 2017)
• A series of consumer-facing sustainable innovations launched, including recycled shrink wrap, the new Snap Pack, which reduces multipack plastic usage by up to 76%, and PU:REST – the first beer in Sweden made from recycled wastewater.