News Release

Suntory Group Announces New Policy toward 100 Percent Sustainable Plastic Bottles

By 2030, the company will aim to use fully recycled or plant-based materials for all PET bottles

TOKYO, JAPAN (31 May 2019) – Today, Suntory Group unveiled a new company-wide policy focused on implementing sustainable plastic that promote a recycling-oriented and decarbonized society.

In aiming to realize the Suntory Group’s corporate philosophy “To create harmony with people and nature,” the newly established sustainability policy, formally titled the “Plastic Policy”, expresses the company’s dedication to promote problem-solving efforts together with various stakeholders.

“It is Suntory’s founding promise to coexist with people and nature. We will tackle the plastics problem by contributing to the realization of a circular economy and by bringing together our advanced technology to lead the world in finding effective solutions to this global issue, ”said Takeshi Niinami, Chief Executive Officer of Suntory Holdings.

Last year, Suntory introduced the “FtoP Direct Recycle Technology”, a first-of-its-kind PET preform^※ manufacturing technology that streamlines the recycling process of making PET bottles out of used PET bottles which is useful in decreasing environmental impact while improving supply chain efficiencies. Suntory also is the first company to use plastic caps made of 100 percent plant-based materials for its beverage product and Suntory’s efforts go beyond for realizing PET bottles made of 100 percent plant-based materials. Suntory will continue its effort for developing PET bottles with less environmental impact and for contributing to build an efficient recycling system. Through these initiatives, Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd, a beverage company of Suntory Group will increase usage of recycled content in its PET bottles to over 50 percent in Japan by 2025 as mid-term goal.

Based on this Plastic Policy, Suntory will aim for fully sustainable plastic bottles by expanding “FtoP production” capability and switching to recycled materials or plant-based materials for all PET bottles used globally by 2030.

※ A plastic bottle mold made from PET resin. The PET bottle is formed by heating the resin and injecting air under high pressure to fill out the mold.

Suntory Group Plastic Policy

Expressing gratitude toward the Blessings of Nature that are the source of Suntory’s products, the Suntory Group will provide strong leadership for transforming into a recycling-oriented and zero carbon society to bring about a world where diverse animal and plant life shines and resonates.

With its diversity in usage and convenience, plastic has made our lives easier.  The plastic containers and packaging we use serve a useful function, but to prevent them from having a negative impact on the global environment, we will promote problem-solving efforts together with various stakeholders. Each employee of Suntory will work on taking responsible action to solve problems and take the initiative in bringing about a sustainable society.

1.Recycle & Renewable:
(1)Aim to switch all the PET bottles used globally for Suntory products to be made of recycled or plant-based material by 2030, achieving zero use of virgin petroleum-based materials.
(2)Actively work and collaborate with government agencies, industry, environmental non-governmental and non-profit organizations for the measures necessary to develop an efficient recycling system based on the situation of each country where we do business.

2.Reduce & Replacement: Reduce the amount of plastic used by changing the design of containers and packaging and look for the introduction of alternative containers that do not negatively impact the environment in order to effectively utilize resources.

3.Innovation: Actively invest in innovation for materials and processes that improve the recycling rate and minimize environmental impact.

4.New Behavior: Promote activities that drive change in consumer behavior. Each Suntory employee will work to change their lifestyle, promote sorting and collection, and actively participate in social contribution activities such as cleaning up rivers and beaches.

Suntory Group‘s activities for reducing environmental impact:
https://www.suntory.com/csr/

Suntory Group‘s approach for containers and Packages:
https://www.suntory.com/csr/env_circular/

About Suntory Group
Suntory Group is among the world’s leading consumer products companies, with annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.4 billion. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverage products enjoyed by millions around the world: from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, The Premium Malt's beer, and iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark to non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, TEA plus, BOSS coffee, Iyemon tea, and Suntory Tennensui water. Suntory also produces wellness products and operates a flower business. Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a multi-national corporation, with operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. We are driven by Yatte Minahare - the spirit of bold ambition - and our 39,466 employees worldwide draw upon our unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets. Suntory Group is committed to our founding promise to coexist with people and nature: protecting water resources, nurturing our communities and fostering the arts. Suntory believes we grow for good together when we stay true to ourselves and pursue the paths that nature intended.