Aug. 21, 2020
Promoting Water Sustainability Around the World for #WWWeek At Home
At Suntory, we recognize that water is at the core of our business and integral to our products. As this year’s annual World Water Week . World Water Week will safely take place from a distance as part of #WWWeek At Home, we’re reaffirming out commitment to important sustainability efforts through collaboration and various initiatives to nurture and protect water as an invaluable natural resource.
We know that only about 0.01% of the entire fresh water on Earth can be used by mankind. Without it, life cannot function and exist. That’s why in 2017 we established the Suntory Group Sustainable Water Philosophy .to address relevant water issues in each of our regions of operation.
As we grow internationally, Suntory Group is expanding our work on water sustainability by engaging in water initiatives across the globe:
Japan
In order to maintain the safety and reliability of groundwater as well as sustainability, Suntory Holdings Limited is cultivating water resources in forests through the establishment of 21 Natural Water Sanctuaries. One of the main purposes of our Natural Water Sanctuary activities is to improve the function of forests for recharging water sources. To pass down this precious natural environment to the next generation, we also implement the Suntory Mizuiku - Education Program for Nature and Water, a program unique to Suntory designed for the next generation to realize the beauty of nature and importance of water and the forests that nurture the groundwater and to think about what they can do to ensure there is water in the future. The program centers on two activities: Outdoor School of Forest and Water and Teaching Program at Schools.
America
- Beam Suntory works to preserve and protect the natural environment around its distilleries through watershed conservation activities to ensure there’s a sustainable source of clean water for distillation and the community. Their Maker’s Mark Natural Water Sanctuary aims to preserve the 33 acres of distillery land, enhance its forest’s biodiversity and protect the quality of groundwater that is used to make better bourbon. Additionally, Jim Beam and Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, a 15,625 acre privately-held forest, established a Natural Water Sanctuary immediately adjacent to the Jim Beam distillery in Kentucky. This partnership seeks to protect water quality, restore wildlife habitats and reintroduce native plants and trees. The group is also working together to enhance environmental education, improve watershed protection planning and secure quality water for future generations.
- Pepsi Bottling Ventures Group (PBV) is headquartered in the Upper Neuse River region in central North Carolina. To provide quality utility and drinking water to the 300,000 residents and many local businesses and organizations, PBV cooperates with forest preservation organizations, local government and landowners through the Upper Neuse Clean Water Initiative to preserve the soil and protect the river’s water quality since 2005. They continue to engage in initiatives to improve the water quality such as removing foreign species and reintroducing native species to the surrounding habitat.
Southeast Asia
- The Suntory Mizuiku - Education Program for Nature and Water has expanded overseas with the hope of promoting environmental activities globally.
- Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage began the Vietnam version of the program in March 2015, marking our first Suntory Mizuiku effort overseas.
- Subsequently, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand and Suntory Garuda Beverages introduced additional customized programs to Thailand and Indonesia in 2019, respectively.
Europe
- Suntory Beverage & Food Europe works to preserve waterways, regenerate water stressed areas and conduct conservation projects in countries including the Netherlands, Spain and the UK.
- In France, Orangina Suntory France entered into a 20-year partnership in 2017 with Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, a nature park located next to the Meyzieu Plant. This partnership conducts conservation activities in the forest spanning the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage and supports educational programs for families, in addition to protecting water resources and the natural environment near the plant as well as promoting cultivation activities with the local community.
Oceania
- At Frucor Suntory, water conservation is a key priority in 2020. By 2030, the trans-Tasman business aims to reduce water usage by 20%, with a focus on their main manufacturing plant based in Auckland, New Zealand. The team has introduced a number of water conservation initiatives designed to reduce and reuse water across the site. One of their recent, key projects is the installation of a new Air Rinser system on their canning line. The new Ion 3 air rinse system will remove 12 million litres of water annually from the manufacturing process.
Across our business, everything we create is grounded in respect and appreciation for water. We are committed to continuing our efforts to keep water in its purest and most abundant form for future generations.