Pernod Ricard moves single-use plastics ban forward to 2021

Pernod Ricard has committed to removing single-use plastic point-of-sale items by 2021, four years ahead of its initial target.

The ban, which was initially planned for 2025, was announced last year as the company unveiled a raft of sustainability goals.

The French spirits company’s updated pledge falls under its 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap which forms part of its strategic plan Transform & Accelerate.

As part of its roadmap, Pernod Ricard also committed to improved water use in high-risk watersheds, replenishing 100% of water consumption from production sites by 2030.

Pernod Ricard will also develop regenerative agriculture pilot schemes within its own vineyards in eight wine regions to improve the quality of topsoil, watersheds and ecosystems, as well as reduce the intensity of its carbon footprint by 50%.

The company continues to target improved packaging recyclability and commit to 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable items by 2025. In early 2018, the company pledged to eliminate the use of plastic straws and stirrers.

The owner of Jameson whiskey and Absolut vodka has shared guidelines with its 90 affiliates specifying which materials can no longer be used and how they can be replaced.

Pernod Ricard, a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy, recently applied its environmental strategy with the launch of its first organic Ricard products in France: Ricard Green Anis & Almonds and Ricard Green Anis & Lemon.

Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard CEO, said: “For the past two years we have been striving to accelerate every aspect of our business, and the current crisis must not be a threat but rather an opportunity to speed up the implementation of our Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap.

“The end of single-use plastic POS items is one of the many ways we will do our share to bring positive change to the world we live in, and achieving this goal four years ahead of schedule underlines our employees’ commitment to do so.” 

Last year, Pernod Ricard Winemakers achieved 100% renewable electricity in Australia and claimed that it was the first large wine company in the country to fulfil such a commitment.