Independent drinks company Global Brands has received a £100,000 (US$130,500) grant from the local council to support its sustainability strategy.
The North East Derbyshire District Council’s Low Carbon Challenge Fund grant will be used to introduce ‘state-of-the-art’ energy-efficient technologies at Global Brands’ Clay Cross distribution centre, accelerating its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero status by 2050.
The funding focuses on three crucial elements – installing energy-efficient lighting, deploying battery storage solutions to harness solar energy, and creating an onsite hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuelling station — and is expected to substantially reduce emissions from Global Brands’ distribution operations.
The drinks business is already aiming for a 40% cut per million-pound turnover by 2030 and a 92% reduction per million-pound turnover by 2050.
Shaun Bacon, group managing and financial director at Global Brands, commented: “This investment marks another pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. As part of a single-use industry, it is crucial to lead by example and adopt meaningful changes that reduce our environmental impact.
“By switching to energy-efficient solutions and alternative fuels, we’re committed to doing our bit locally and hope to inspire other businesses in our community to do the same.”
Bacon continues: “With plans already in place to switch the entire logistics fleet to zero-carbon by 2050, and with over 50% of the warehouse energy now powered by solar panels, this funding allows Global Brands to continue driving forward its sustainability goals.”
The grant strengthens Global Brands’ current sustainability strategy. This includes transitioning to a fully electric and HVO-powered fleet, aiming to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025, and forming partnerships with suppliers who are equally committed to decarbonisation. The company recently became a member of SEDEX, which will further improve its ability to manage supply chain sustainability.
Lee Barned, chair of the Clay Cross Town Board, added: “We’re seeing some significant change as more businesses like Global Brands complete their journey with the Low Carbon Challenge Fund. Recipients have praised the process of receiving grants as being quick, easy and well worth their time, and it’s heart-warming to know we were able to support them as part of their mission to be more sustainable.”
Global Brands aims to take a proactive approach to sustainability, from using 100% recyclable packaging materials to implementing innovative employee training and establishing an internal ESG committee.
With a drinks portfolio featuring brands such as VK, Frankin & Sons, and Hooch, the company said it is committed to driving continuous improvement across all its brands and operational areas.
In February this year, Julian Atkins took on the role of new managing director of Global Brands.
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Author: Miona Madsen
