Japanese beverage giant joins anti-plastic pollution group

In alignment with its corporate philosophy “to create harmony with people and nature”, Japanese beverage giant Suntory Group has joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), a global platform that works to effectively and sustainably reduce plastic waste and pollution around the world. Suntory Group is among the world's leading consumer products companies, with annual revenue of US$20.4 billion. The group offers a 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 favourites Orangina, Lucozade, and Ribena.
Takeshi Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings, said this move will enable the company to promote global sustainability management throughout all levels of the company. This includes the recent creation of the company's plastic policy, where Suntory will transition to producing fully sustainable plastic bottles globally by 2030 through switching to recycled or plant-based materials.
Niinami added: “By joining GPAP, we are able to foster a better public-private sector collaboration and contribute to a more sustainable society.”
GPAP, meanwhile welcomed Suntory’s move. Kristin Hughes, GPAP director and member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, said that by joining the GPAP, Suntory is taking on an important and substantial leadership role in the fight against plastic pollution both regionally and globally.
"As a giant in the food and beverage industry and one of the most influential brands in the Asia-Pacific, Suntory's adoption of sustainable plastic policy signals a clear commitment to sustainability and accountability that is being heard across the region,” she concluded. (Image from Pixabay)