Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I Takes Bold Steps Towards Sustainability
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I), the producer of household favourites Lucozade and Ribena, has announced a transformative £6 million investment in its Coleford factory as part of its ambitious sustainability goals.
The move aims to significantly reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels and make the facility entirely independent of its current gas turbine by 2026.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the planned upgrade of the factory’s electricity connection. The existing 11-kilovolt (kV) connection will be replaced with a more robust 33kV connection, granting the facility greater access to electricity sourced from renewables.
This development not only aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability but also addresses operational inefficiencies. The improved supply will help minimise external outages and eliminate the quarterly maintenance downtimes required by the current combined heat and power unit.
The anticipated impact is substantial. By moving away from gas dependency, SBF GB&I expects to cut its Scope 1 emissions by 58%, a significant stride in its journey towards carbon neutrality.
Furthermore, this upgrade opens doors for further emissions reduction projects, including the electrification of steam systems, the implementation of new heat pump solutions, and the potential installation of solar panels.
This £6 million investment represents a significant step towards reducing their carbon footprint, stated SBF GB&I’s Supply Chain Director. They added further that not only will this initiative help them achieve emissions reductions quicker, but it also enables them to explore additional sustainability projects and further integrate renewable energy into their operations.
The company has already submitted a planning application for the project, which will undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment to ensure minimal disruption to the local environment and community.
Subject to approval, the new electricity connection and systems are expected to be operational by 2026, marking a new chapter in SBF GB&I’s sustainability journey.
Beyond the factory, SBF GB&I is also making waves in biodiversity conservation. In collaboration with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, the company has deployed artificial intelligence technology to monitor bird populations across hedgerows on blackcurrant farms that supply Ribena.
Over a 48-day recording period, this innovative project collects valuable data on key bird species, showcasing SBF GB&I’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I’s £6 million investment in its Coleford factory is more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a pivotal move towards a sustainable future.
By reducing fossil fuel reliance, cutting emissions, and embracing renewable energy, the company is setting a benchmark in environmental responsibility. Coupled with its biodiversity initiatives, SBF GB&I is leading by example, demonstrating how businesses can harmonise operations with ecological conservation.
As the company looks to 2026 and beyond, its commitment to sustainability continues to shape a greener, more responsible future.
News Credits: Lucozade owner invests £6m in factory sustainability
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