In a groundbreaking development for environmental sustainability, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverage Pvt Ltd (HCCB), a frontrunner in India’s FMCG sector, has recently announced a significant achievement. Its bottling plant located in the Bidadi Industrial Area, Ramanagara, Karnataka, has been officially certified as carbon neutral. This distinction makes it the first Coca-Cola bottling facility in both India and the Southwest Asia region to attain this milestone, adhering to the stringent international standard PAS 2060.
Carbon Neutrality Certification
The certification, which is scheduled to be formally issued to HCCB in May 2024, is endorsed by DNV, a globally recognized registrar and classification society. This achievement is not just a feather in the cap for HCCB but also marks a vital step in the company’s ongoing journey towards sustainability.
The certification aligns seamlessly with HCCB’s broader goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 25% by the year 2030.
Sustainable Practices And Commitments
Since 2020, the Bidadi plant has made remarkable strides in reducing its carbon footprint. A significant part of this success can be attributed to the plant’s initiative of sourcing over 90% of its power from renewable energy sources.
This focus on energy efficiency is evident in HCCB’s efforts to optimize energy consumption for every litre of beverage produced, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, to tackle the residual emissions at the Bidadi facility, HCCB has laid out plans to invest in the Gold Standard certified carbon credits project in India, reinforcing its dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2024. The company’s commitment extends beyond just carbon neutrality; it encompasses a range of environmental initiatives. These include water replenishment projects, support for nature-based solutions, efforts to enhance biodiversity, and promoting regenerative agriculture practices in collaboration with local suppliers and farmers.
A Major Milestone In Sustainability
Alok Sharma, the Executive Director of Supply Chain at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCB), expressed his pride and optimism regarding the company’s significant achievement of achieving carbon neutrality in its plant. He emphasized that this accomplishment is not only a major milestone for HCCB but also establishes new benchmarks for the entire industry. According to Mr. Sharma, this achievement serves as a tangible demonstration of HCCB’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Source: IndiaCSR
