The Drinks Association is enhancing member value and addressing the critical environmental and social issues facing the drinks industry with the launch of the Sustainability Council.
Endorsed by The Drinks Association’s Board of Directors, the council serves as a forum to accelerate and amplify the industry’s collective impact to deliver sustainable change. The purpose of the Sustainability Council is to encourage and inspire the drinks industry to have a greater positive impact on people and our planet, and in the process build trust and resilience.
On the formation of the committee milestone, The Drinks Association Chief Executive Officer Georgia Lennon says, “We are thrilled to announce the representatives of our Sustainability Council, who have convened for their inaugural meeting this May. The council was formed in recognition of the need for industry-wide collaboration to address the growing ESG requirements and meet the expectations of our members and consumers."
Sustainability is increasingly integral to business strategy and of paramount importance to stakeholders. Organisations within the industry are at various stages of their sustainability journeys, from those taking initial steps to others with established public targets. Despite these differences, the industry faces common challenges, including decarbonization, sustainable packaging and design, community engagement, and good governance. The council will work closely with members to address these key issues and opportunities, fostering awareness and sustainable skills through education, and promoting transparency and continuous improvement.
Drawing on their collective experience and expertise, the council will also collaborate with subject matter experts and existing industry bodies to ensure best practices and foster broader collaborative relationships. Emphasis will be placed on the areas deemed most vital by the associations’ members, such as climate change, sustainable packaging, circularity, waste reduction, biodiversity, community collaboration, indigenous engagement, and responsible supply chains.
The council's key projects will focus on facilitating collective action towards transformative and lasting change. Comprising of representatives from ALM, Asahi, Australian Vintage, Campari, CCEP, Hill-Smith Family Estates, Pernod Ricard, and Treasury Wine Estates, and chaired by Lion’s Rebecca Loch, the council members bring diverse experience and knowledge in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and best practices.
Loch, Chair of the Sustainability Council and Lion’s Sustainability Lead, stated, "There is a collective need for industry collaboration to address the environmental and societal issues we face today. By working together, we can accelerate and amplify our positive impact and embed leading ESG practices across the wider industry."
The Sustainability Council will convene monthly, with regular member communications and engagement sessions throughout the year.