Suntory has published its first climate transition plan, setting out how the Japanese drinks group intends to reduce emissions across its business and supply chain while protecting operations from rising climate risks.
The company says it cut greenhouse gas emissions by 19% between 2019 and 2025. It is now targeting a 30% reduction in absolute Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions by 2030 against a 2019 baseline, followed by a 90% cut by 2050.
Packaging and materials dominate the footprint
Packaging and raw materials have been singled out as the main contributors to the company’s footprint. Even so, Suntory says emissions linked to packaging fell by 38% between 2019 and 2025, while emissions from raw materials declined by 12% over the same period.
In contrast, emissions associated with co-manufactured finished products rose by 26%. That increase underlines the extent to which the group must rely on suppliers and contract partners to achieve its targets. The contrast also suggests that progress in packaging and raw materials has not been matched across the contract-manufacturing part of the value chain.
The plan places particular emphasis on packaging reform. Measures include reducing material use, increasing recycled content and redesigning containers. Suntory says it wants all primary polyethylene terephthalate packaging to be either made from 100% recycled material or produced without fossil fuels. Those recycled-content and fossil-free production goals are framed as direct levers for changing the material profile of primary packaging.
The group has also engaged suppliers representing more than half of its Scope 3 emissions. It expects further progress to depend on changes in production methods, energy consumption and material choices across the supply chain.
Costs and long-term goal
According to the company’s sustainability material, these goals sit within a broader commitment to net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2050.
Suntory estimates it will spend €185.4m, or £156m, on climate-related operating costs between 2027 and 2030. Packaging is expected to account for the bulk of that sum, reflecting its designation as a priority area in the plan.
The emissions figures compare performance with a 2019 baseline, so the 19% reduction already achieved is measured on the same basis as the new 2030 and 2050 targets. The 2030 goal covers Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions in absolute terms, extending the company’s focus beyond its own operations to its value chain.
The plan covers emissions reduction across the business and supply chain as well as protection of operations from climate risks. Its packaging targets therefore sit alongside supplier engagement and changes to production and energy use, rather than standing as a standalone materials programme.