Why has Carlsberg Changed its Sustainability Strategy?

Carlsberg Group has launched Brewing Tomorrow, a revised environmental, social and governance programme that the company says reflects its expanded operations and more complex product portfolio.

This follows Carlsberg's 2025 purchase of Britvic, a deal that fundamentally altered the group's business composition.

The acquisition brought soft drinks into the fold, creating a portfolio where non-alcoholic beverages now represent 30% of the company's offerings.

However, this expansion came with environmental implications, adding approximately one million tonnes of CO₂e emissions to Carlsberg's value chain.

This represents a 16% increase in the company's carbon footprint.

Changing sustainability timelines

Carlsberg has pushed back its intermediate target year from 2030 to 2032, though its commitment to achieving a net zero value chain by 2040 remains unchanged.

This updated programme introduces revised Scope 3 reduction targets that align with Science Based Targets initiative requirements.

These changes reflect the additional complexities that come with managing emissions across a broader supply chain.

The programme also places greater emphasis on regenerative agriculture and the use of recycled materials.

It introduces new sugar-reduction objectives specifically targeting the soft drinks segment.

Jacob Aarup-Andersen, CEO of Carlsberg Group, says: "Carlsberg is on an exciting journey. We are evolving as a company, with a broader portfolio and a wider geographic presence.

"Brewing Tomorrow is our sustainability roadmap of action, built on strong performance in the recent years. The aim is clear: to drive impact and ensure Carlsberg is a future-ready business."

Framework for sustainable operations

The Brewing Tomorrow programme is structured around four core pillars.

These include Cutting Carbon through emissions reduction and climate resilience building, Protecting Nature by restoring ecosystems through regeneration and water stewardship, Inspiring Choice to enable informed consumption and Empowering People by fostering a safe and inclusive culture.

Notable changes within the programme include the incorporation of compostable packaging alongside recyclable and reusable materials.

Carlsberg now aims to achieve 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2032.

The company has also raised its regenerative agriculture target substantially, from 30% to 50% of raw materials sourced through regenerative agricultural practices.

On emissions, Carlsberg is targeting a 90% reduction from its own operations and a 31% reduction across its value chain by 2032.

Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, VP, Group Sustainability and ESG at Carlsberg Group, says: "With Brewing Tomorrow, we are building on our learnings from the past, while updating our focus for the future.

"The programme is embedded in our business: how we run our operations, how we engage across our value chain, how we develop our people and how we create more choice across our expanding portfolio.

"It builds on decades of reducing our impacts, while supporting our business growth.

"I am proud of the journey we are on and cannot wait to bring it to life with colleagues and partners across the world."

Carlsberg's sustainability progress

According to Carlsberg's 2025 performance data, the company achieved a 12% reduction in absolute emissions at production facilities.

It also achieved an 8% reduction in near-term value chain emissions since 2024.

The group sourced 90% of its electricity from renewable sources. It established three new power purchase agreements across Norway, Finland and Sweden.

The company also reported achieving 51% recycled content in bottles and cans during 2025, surpassing its 2030 target of 50% five years ahead of schedule.

In regenerative agriculture, Carlsberg procured 27,600 tonnes of barley grown using regenerative principles, double the 2024 volume.

The company expanded regenerative farming pilots across France, the UK, Finland and Denmark.

Additionally, no- and low-alcohol products reached 31% of global sales.