Key environmental issues facing the beverage industry

The fourth subject for discussion among the group was that of environmental sustainability. The issue of reduction of CO2 emissions and overall carbon footprint has moved up the world agenda very quickly in the past 12 months. The discussion is not limited to Europe, although the EU is seen as taking something of a lead, but is being driven globally, with the involvement of organisations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The challenge for UNESDA of course is to recognise where our industry responsibility lies and to put in place strategies and actions to address this. Clearly the issue of packaging is high on the agenda and we discussed the need for sustainable packaging policies as well as effective systems for recovery and recycling.

All of the opportunities discussed among the CEOs are now being fine tuned within the different UNESDA committees and will result in actions for the organisation over the future 12-18 months.

The annual CEO forum represents a vital discussion forum for the industry. A chance to discuss the consumer and corporate responsibility related issues facing the sector and set a strategic vision for the UNESDA work programme for the years ahead.

Total consumption of non-alcoholic beverages - Czech Republic (here as a part only)

*Others = still, dilatable, iced tea, iced coffee, sports and energy