Diageo publishes first sustainability guidelines

LONDON – Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business, said it took a further step in its journey to becoming a truly sustainable business with the publication of the company’s first Sustainable Packaging Guidelines. 

The guidelines reflect a commitment to a holistic approach to reducing the overall impact on the environment across the whole of our value chain -- from barley for the breweries to the bottle in the bin – and at the same time supporting customers and consumers desire for more sustainable living, said Diageo, whose brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, C?roc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo's Sustainability & Responsibility Report 2011, developed by a cross functional team, also define an approach to sustainable packaging based on the common principles of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ and include examples of best practice as well as recognition that working with suppliers and other stakeholders is key to delivering our ambitions.

Diageo’s commitment to sustainable packaging includes identifying the potential for light weighting packaging, increasing the use of recycled content and optimising packaging for recycling or reuse. 
Commenting on the publication of the guidelines, Andy Fennell, chief marketing officer, said: "Packaging is vital in delivering and protecting our valuable brands – and increasingly customers and consumers are demanding more sustainable packs from all leading consumer goods companies. Wal-Mart, for example, has established a comprehensive packaging scorecard on which suppliers are evaluated. These new guidelines will be adopted throughout our business to ensure we drive year on year improvements." 
David Gosnell, president global supply & procurement, added: "This is an important milestone that will ensure a consistent approach to developing new packaging and reviewing existing packs.  The guidelines will not only help us meet our stretching sustainable packaging targets for 2015 but also support our engagement with customers and consumers – and further embed our position as corporate leaders in environmental sustainability."