Our business depends on the availability of clean water. No water, no beer. But supplies are becoming scarce in some of the regions where our beers are brewed, so we have to use it sparingly.
With a target to halve water use at our breweries by 2030, and reduce it by 25% by 2022, we are committed to the elimination of water waste. Through community water partnerships we will also help safeguard shared water resources around our breweries, focusing on areas that are classified as high risk.
Partner to safeguard shared water resources in high-risk areas
25% reduction in water usage at our breweries
Explore going below 2.0 HL/HL at all high-risk breweries
Our approach towards ZERO
The brewing process requires a greater volume of water than the volume of beer produced. By cutting our water usage in half, we will significantly reduce waste. To achieve our ultimate ambition of ZERO water waste, we are continuing to roll-out existing wastewater recycling technology around the world, while also searching for new technologies.
A key task of the Carlsberg Young Scientists Community, formed in early 2018, will be to help us address the water challenge. At the same time, we’re looking to partner with stakeholders to protect shared water sources in high-risk areas.
As a global brewer with operations in high-risk areas, we have a responsibility to ensure both the success of our business and the well-being of the communities around our breweries.
Our targets for ZERO water waste contribute to SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation. We address targets SDG 6.4 and 6.5 – increasing water use efficiency and implementing integrated water resource management. Our community engagement plans show our commitment to partnership and SDG 17.
As part of our global drive for water efficiency, in 2017, we commissioned four zero liquid discharge projects at our Indian breweries. Thanks to new, cutting-edge technology, the breweries can now purify water and reduce salt concentration to the extent that it is suitable for cleaning or for discharge into the environment.