Carlsberg Group has unveiled a revised version of its Brewing Tomorrow ESG strategy, introducing strengthened climate targets and an expanded sustainability framework following a major portfolio shift. The updated programme reflects the brewer’s increased emissions footprint after its 2025 acquisition of Britvic, while reaffirming its ambition to reach net zero across its full value chain by 2040.

The acquisition significantly broadened Carlsberg’s geographic presence and increased the share of soft drinks in its portfolio to around 30 percent. It also added nearly one million tonnes of CO2 equivalent to the company’s value chain emissions, representing an increase of approximately 16 percent. The revised ESG roadmap is designed to absorb this structural change while maintaining alignment with global decarbonisation standards.

Stronger Emissions Targets Across the Value Chain

A central feature of the updated programme is the adoption of new absolute emissions reduction targets covering Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. These targets are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative and mark a shift toward deeper value chain accountability.

Carlsberg has extended certain milestone timelines from 2030 to 2032 to reflect the enlarged emissions base following the Britvic acquisition. Despite this adjustment, the company continues to target net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2040.

The revised framework is structured around four pillars: Cutting Carbon, Protecting Nature, Empowering People and Inspiring Choice. The structure is intended to streamline implementation while embedding sustainability considerations across operations, supply chains and product development.

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Operational Progress in Energy and Packaging

The strategy builds on recent operational progress. Since 2024, Carlsberg has reduced absolute emissions from its production facilities by 12 percent and cut near-term value chain emissions by 8 percent. Renewable electricity now accounts for 90 percent of the company’s power consumption.

In 2025, Carlsberg signed power purchase agreements in Norway, Finland and Sweden, increasing the share of electricity sourced from new renewable capacity to 19 percent, up from 6 percent the previous year. A biomass energy facility in Laos now provides more than 80 percent of steam demand at Vientiane Brewery, reducing annual emissions by approximately 15,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Packaging circularity has advanced ahead of schedule. Recycled materials now account for 51 percent of bottles and cans, surpassing the company’s prior 2030 target of 50 percent recycled content. Water stewardship efforts have also expanded, with 32 percent of water used at high-risk production sites replenished, double the prior year’s level.

Nature, Agriculture and Product Portfolio Shifts

Beyond carbon reductions, the updated programme places greater emphasis on regenerative agriculture and biodiversity protection. As agricultural inputs represent a significant share of Scope 3 emissions in brewing and beverage production, the company is expanding initiatives to promote lower-impact farming practices across its supply chain.

The Protecting Nature pillar integrates land use, water management and raw material sourcing into the broader climate framework. This reflects increasing regulatory and investor attention on nature-related risks and ecosystem dependencies within food and beverage value chains.

The Inspiring Choice pillar addresses the growing soft drink segment and consumer health considerations. Carlsberg plans to expand its no- and low-alcohol offerings, which currently represent 31 percent of global brews sold, while introducing new sugar reduction targets tied to its expanded beverage portfolio.

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Workforce Inclusion and Governance Integration

Under the Empowering People pillar, Carlsberg has introduced updated workforce inclusion targets. Women now hold 34 percent of senior leadership roles, up from 30 percent the previous year. The company is continuing efforts to improve gender balance and embed ESG oversight within governance structures.

The updated Brewing Tomorrow programme is accompanied by Carlsberg’s first consolidated Climate Transition Plan, detailing the operational and investment actions required to reach its 2040 net zero objective. This plan reflects growing expectations from regulators and investors for transparent transition pathways rather than high-level commitments.

Positioning for a Changing Regulatory Landscape

Carlsberg’s revised strategy arrives as sustainability disclosure requirements tighten across major markets and as investors place greater scrutiny on Scope 3 emissions. The expansion of absolute reduction targets and alignment with Science Based Targets initiative standards positions the company within emerging global reporting norms.

For multinational beverage producers, climate and sustainability strategies are increasingly linked to supply chain resilience, cost management and brand positioning. Carlsberg’s updated roadmap illustrates how portfolio expansion and acquisition-driven growth can be integrated into a structured decarbonisation framework.

The revised Brewing Tomorrow strategy signals a shift from incremental improvements toward a more comprehensive integration of climate, nature and social objectives into core business operations.

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