Coca-Cola HBC sets 2040 carbon neutral target

Drinks giant Coca-Cola HBC has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

The company, which has 450 staff at a major plant in Co Antrim, said it will move to 100% renewable electricity as well as introducing deposit return schemes all over the island of Ireland.

Emissions at Knockmore Hill in Lisburn have already been reduced by 60%, the company told the Belfast Telegraph.

General manager Miles Karemacher said: “As the climate crisis intensifies, every business needs to play its part to cut carbon emissions from its direct operations and across its supply chain.

“With today’s announcement, we are delighted to be playing our part locally in the transition to a low carbon society.

“This commitment is the ultimate destination of a journey that we started many years ago and is fully aligned with our philosophy to support the socio-economic development of the local community and to make a more positive environmental impact.

‘Assuming responsibility’

While emissions at Lisburn had been cut by 60%, emissions in its value chain had been reduced by just 32% and concerted work with suppliers has been promised.

Miles Karemacher added: “While a majority of emissions result from third party actions across its supply chain, Coca-Cola HBC will broaden its existing partnership approach with suppliers, assuming responsibility across the entire process from production to consumption.

“Committing to net-zero targets requires the whole organisation — along with all of its partners — to change the way it acts and thinks, with agreed actions and shared determination.

“We are in a position to provide leadership and support. Although we don’t yet have all the answers, I’m confident that by working collectively and collaboratively, we’ll find the answers and the determination and confidence to achieve our goal.”

In February this year, Coca-Cola HBC was again rated Europe’s most sustainable beverage company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

It has also signed Business in the Community’s Climate Action Pledge, and renewed a partnership with charities such as FareShare NI and FoodCloud to prevent food waste.

The Lisburn plant manufacturers and distributes soft drinks including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Schweppes, as well as Northern Ireland brands Deep RiverRock and Fruice.

In 2020, Coca-Cola HBC in Northern Ireland reported pre-tax profits of £27m, up three-fold from 2019’s £8.7m.

Turnover, however, was down from £232m to £205m.