C&C Group-owned beer brand Tennent’s has announced an investment of £14.2 million in sustainability initiatives as it plans to scrap single-use plastic in its packaging by 2021.
From next spring, the Scottish brand’s larger canned formats will use cardboard packaging as an alternative to hi-cone rings and shrink wrap. Smaller packs will follow later in the year with a further pledge to ditch plastic altogether by 2025.
The brewer has also announced the opening of an anaerobic digestion plant at its Wellpark facility in Glasgow. This allows for the on-site treatment of wastewater generated as a by-product of brewing.
A first for a Scottish brewery, the facility further improves the quality of wastewater while also generating biogas, which is then used to help heat the brewery.
In addition to the anaerobic plant, plans are afoot to ensure that all of Tennent’s energy will come from renewable sources by 2025.
Finally, a new carbon-capture facility will also break ground at Wellpark by the end of 2019. The business is investigating other carbon-offset innovation and is committed to being net carbon zero by 2025.
“As Scotland’s oldest surviving business, and one of its best-loved, we take our responsibility to do the right thing very seriously,” said Martin Doogan, group engineering manager at C&C Group.
“Sustainability is a core part of our brand and today marks a significant step-change in our plans. We’ve leveraged our scale and influence, our passion for innovation and our network of contacts to ensure that we act decisively against climate change, without delay.
“It’s a leap in the right direction – but we’re not complacent and we’re not finished. We will continue to seek out ways to minimise our environmental impact across our entire business, from our transport fleet to international deliveries. Our commitment is to lasting environmental change; in our company, in our industry and beyond.”
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