News Release

Suntory Group chosen as the only Japanese company to contribute to the Launch of the World’s First Science-Based Targets for Nature

Tokyo, Japan (May 31, 2023) — Suntory Group is pleased to announce that it plans to set the first science-based targets for nature as part of the pilot group of companies selected by the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). Among all the applications, only 17 global companies were chosen as the pilot group, with Suntory Group being the only Japanese company to be selected. Other selected companies include AB InBev, Bel, Corbion, Carrefour, Alpro (part of Danone), GSK, H&M Group, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Holcim Group, Kering, L'OCCITANE Group, LVMH, Nestle, Neste Corporation, Tesco and UPM.

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), a global coalition of environmental NGOs and mission-driven organizations, is aiming to set the standard for measurable corporate action on nature across freshwater, land, ocean, biodiversity and climate. SBTN has launched the first global science-based targets for nature, to help companies take integrated action on climate and nature towards an equitable, net zero and nature positive future.

Released by the SBTN this month, Suntory Group will use its methodologies to reduce any material freshwater and land-related pressures on nature and increase positive outcomes for nature and people. Depending on the company’s material impacts, the group will submit targets to the SBTN for validation to ensure they are robust, accurate and credible. The group will be using version 1 of the freshwater methods and the beta version of the land methods.

This year, the SBTN will only review and approve targets submitted for validation from this official pilot group of companies to gain learnings and to ensure adequate resources. Once the pilot concludes at the end of 2023 and optimizations are made both to the target validation process and the land methods which will be updated to a version 1, any company in 2024 will be able to submit their targets for validation using the version 1 freshwater and land methods.

“As a global beverage company, nature and water is the foundation of our business. The climate, biodiversity, and water crises are deeply intertwined, and it is essential to take a nexus approach for taking the right action,” said Masaaki Fujiwara, Chief Sustainability Officer of Suntory Holdings Ltd. “We believe that the science-based targets for nature will guide us to set the appropriate target and action that is truly meaningful toward nature positive.”

“Building science-based targets for nature into business strategies will not only be vital to helping secure a healthy, resilient, and equitable world, but to driving long-term resilience for business,” said Erin Billman, Executive Director of Science Based Targets Network. “By understanding and addressing their environmental impacts, companies can help mitigate supply chain disruptions, get ahead of regulatory compliance, and increase business value through access to capital and competitive advantage. We are asking businesses to seize the opportunity now and to start assessing their impact on Earth’s finite resources and prepare to set the first science-based targets for nature.”

Prior to being selected among the 17 pilot companies, Suntory Group was selected by SBTN in 2021 as one of the three pilot companies for the "freshwater" hub, along with General Mills and Procter & Gamble, to test the SBTs for Water methodology for setting water targets.

For more information on Suntory Group’s sustainability management, please visit here.

About Suntory Holdings
As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products, from premium spirits, beer, wine, ready-to-drink alcohol beverages, to brewed teas, bottled water, still and carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and energy drinks, along with health and wellness products. Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu, as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Suntory also fascinates the taste buds with The Premium Malt's beer, and owns the exceptional Japanese wine, Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection includes Sauza Tequila, non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, BOSS coffee, Iyemon green tea, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, V and BRAND’S, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.

Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.2 billion in 2022. Its 40,885 employees worldwide draw upon the unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.

As a corporation sustained by the gifts of nature and water, Suntory Group will always protect the ecosystems that deliver water. Because its ecosystem is the wellspring, not only of its business and the rich experiences the group creates for people's lives, but also of human life itself. Suntory Group will continue to be a company where everyone is empowered with the freedom and flexibility to innovate. Through all of its corporate pursuits, Suntory seeks to inspire the brilliance of life.

Learn more about Suntory Group, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability at www.suntory.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.