ESG SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES has committed that 100 % of its packaging will be made from majority recycled content or will be returnable .
NBWA CREATES SUSTAINABILITY TOOLKIT FOR DISTRIBUTORS The National Beer Wholesalers Association created a new toolkit earlier this year to help beer distributors save money and reduce their carbon footprint through efficiency and sustainability efforts . The toolkit helps show how many millions of gallons a year are saved because of the three-tier system , since distributors consolidate deliveries from 13,300 licensed brewers to more than 600,000 retailers .
The toolkit goes further , showing distributors how they can reduce their carbon footprint with efficient warehousing , trucking / transportation and trade recycling . It also classifies efficiency efforts from easy to complex capital-intensive solutions and provides real-world examples to serve as best practices .
“ Efficiency and sustainability have always been priorities for the beer distribution industry ,” says NBWS President & CEO Craig Purser . “ The challenges of inflation and high gas prices make this increasingly top of mind .”
The NBWA partnered with sustainability consultant Double Green , which has more than 20 years working with global beverage brands and supply chain partners , on this project .
“ Distributors looking for practical , proven ways to reduce their costs and greenhouse gas emissions without disrupting their operations will find it in the efficiency and sustainability toolkit ,” says President & CEO Molly Reilly .
SOUTHERN GLAZER ’ S HOLDS SUSTAINABLE IDEAS COMPETITION Southern Glazer ’ s held a company-wide environmental sustainability idea competition as part of its Idea Distillery program , which crowdsources employee suggestions for innovative ways to solve significant business challenges . The competition generated more than 100 ideas , with seven finalists selected to pitch executive leaders at a live-streamed event .
First place went to VP of Control States Stephanie Beilman ’ s idea to minimize plastic waste recycling through a nationwide , e-purposing program . Other ideas ranged from credits to expand electric vehicle usage to reductions in water and waste paper usage .
In addition to cash prizes for the winners , Southern Glazer ’ s made a donation to the Environmental Defense Fund for each idea submitted .
“ We ’ re grateful to have employees who are both thoughtful and passionate about creating a more sustainable tomorrow ,” says CEO Wayne Chaplin . “ Our ability to contribute to a more sustainable future depends on the support of our entire Southern Glazer ’ s family . Promoting and advancing environmental sustainability across the company and surrounding hospitality industry ecosystem are important priorities for us .”
ESG Supplement 2022 15