Suntory has published its first climate transition plan, setting out how the Japanese drinks group intends to cut emissions across its operations and supply chain while protecting the business from rising climate risks.
The company says its greenhouse gas emissions fell 19% between 2019 and 2025. It now aims for a 30% reduction in absolute Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions by 2030 against the 2019 baseline, followed by a 90% cut by 2050.
Absolute cuts across the value chain
The 2030 goal is framed as an absolute reduction across all three scopes, so delivery depends on changes in direct operations, energy use and the wider value chain. The plan therefore reaches beyond Suntory's own sites to raw materials, packaging and co-manufactured products.
The figures present a mixed starting point. Suntory has reduced emissions from packaging and raw materials since 2019, but those categories remain the main contributors, while emissions from co-manufactured finished goods have moved in the opposite direction.
Packaging and raw materials have been singled out as the main contributors, even though Suntory says packaging-related emissions fell 38% between 2019 and 2025 and raw-material emissions declined 12%.
By contrast, emissions associated with co-manufactured finished products rose 26%. That increase underlines the extent to which the company must rely on suppliers and contract partners to achieve its targets.
Packaging reform
The plan places particular emphasis on packaging reform. It covers reduced material use, higher recycled content and redesigned containers. Suntory says it wants all primary polyethylene terephthalate packaging to be either made from 100% recycled material or produced without fossil fuels.
Those packaging changes are part of a wider set of measures. Suntory says further progress will depend on changes to production methods, energy consumption and material choices across the supply chain. It has engaged suppliers representing more than half of its Scope 3 emissions.
According to the company's own sustainability material, the 2030 and 2050 goals sit within a broader commitment to net-zero emissions across the value chain by 2050. Suntory presents the 90% reduction target as part of that longer-term net-zero goal.
Spending and delivery
Suntory estimates it will spend €185.4m (£156m) on climate-related operating costs between 2027 and 2030. Packaging accounts for the bulk of that sum, reflecting its central place in the plan.
The plan sets out direction and milestones. Its delivery will depend on reducing emissions where they are still rising, particularly in co-manufactured products, and on suppliers changing production methods, energy use and materials at scale.