Suntory to use renewable energy at Japanese sites

Spirits giant Suntory Group has committed to purchasing 100% renewable electricity for its 30 directly owned manufacturing and research-and-development facilities in Japan.

By Kate Malczewski

Last year, the Yamazaki owner set out new goals for sustainability, including a pledge to source all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2022.

The firm’s latest move, focused on its Japanese sites, will be implemented from 1 April. The switch is set to reduce Suntory’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 150,000 metric tonnes per year, contributing towards its goal of halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Furthermore, the business will change its purchased electricity to 100% renewable energy for eight more of its Japan-based facilities, including the Suntory Hall, Suntory Museum of Art and its company headquarters.

Suntory reported that 30 of its 35 manufacturing sites across the Americas and Europe already purchase 100% renewable electricity. With its most recent move in Japan, more than 90% of purchased electricity used at the firm’s owned manufacturing facilities in these regions will come from renewable sources – obtained by purchasing green electricity products, renewable electricity certificates, and through the installation of solar panels on-site.

“As a company that delivers the blessings of nature, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint across our business,” said Makiko Ono, chief operating officer of sustainability management at Suntory Holdings.

“Shifting to 100% renewable electricity is a crucial step in decarbonising our business. There is still much more work to be done and we will accelerate our work by taking immediate actions wherever possible.”

The shift in Japan follows the opening of the business’ first carbon-neutral plant in the country, the Suntory Kita-Alps Shinano-no-Mori Water Plant.

Earlier this year, Suntory Group increased its water use reduction goals, aiming to cut down on water use in production by 35%.