Lion’s 2024 Sustainability Performance Update outlines progress and projects it has undertaken against evidence based goals with an evolving approach to increase collaboration with its supply chain.
Merrell said its new Force for Good strategy has come from recognising that collaboration with its value chain accelerates and amplifies the impact of its actions, and that a resilient supply chain “depends on trusted and transparent relationships”.
“Our motivation is to be a force for good by role modelling climate leadership in our industry with relentless focus on energy efficiency, biogas production, rooftop solar installations and showcasing water stewardship with high volume water recycling technologies at our largest breweries,” he said.
A fundamental change is shifting from the traditional approach of dealing with different Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics in isolation.
“We are targeting ESG projects where these topics intersect and overlap, and where we can efficiently leverage our ESG leadership credentials to create and scale shared value.
“The Re-In-Can-Ation project is a great example where the recycling and decarbonisation intersect and where value can be shared with our supply chain partners,” Merrell said.
Key highlights:
Launched Re-In-Can-Ation packaging collaboration with supply chain partners Visy, Novelis and Rio Tinto, achieving an 83 per cent recycled aluminium content and a 59 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in a trial focused on Stone & Wood cans;
Expanded reconciliation leadership through inaugural Reconciliation Industry Network Group (RING) with industry partners;
reported a 63.4 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions from a 2019 baseline, maintaining strong progress towards Lion’s Science Based Targets;
commissioned major water recycling infrastructure, including a $7.2 million reverse osmosis plant at Tooheys brewery that will save 270 million litres annually – equivalent to 108 Olympic-sized swimming pools;
installed one of New Zealand's largest rooftop solar arrays at The Pride brewery, generating 14.4 per cent of its annual electricity needs; and
won Best Environmental Sustainability Initiative and Best Diversity Initiative Award at the 2024 Australian Drinks Awards.
Lion group sustainability director, Justin Merrell said 2024 was a pivotal year.
“As we go ever deeper into our sustainability journey, we recognise there are limits to what we can achieve alone and opportunities to influence the behaviour of others will be key to drive even greater impact.
“2024 was a pivotal year when we proved the power of collaboration like never before and it will be central to our sustainability strategy from 2025 onwards," Merrell said.
Lion CEO, Sam Fischer said this year’s report demonstrated the progress that can be made through collaboration with industry and supply chain partners.
“None of this can happen without the support of our suppliers, customers, and the broader community, and we thank them for their continued partnership,” Fischer said.
Read Lion’s Sustainability Performance Update here.
