Promoting recycling

As a member of the Global Compact since 2003, Pernod Ricard encourages all subsidiaries to reduce waste. Accordingly, the Group promotes the use of recyclable packaging as well as the recycling of organic production waste.

Moving towards eco-design

Pernod Ricard has perfected an “eco-design” packaging solution that makes it possible to reduce packaging weight and improve recyclability at the same time. This “eco-design” solution proved to be economically and environmentally viable, while still meeting marketing and sales expectations.
Over time, a 5% average reduction in bottle weight would save approximately 30,000 tons of glass every year.

Following successful tests, the Group published a practical guide and organised two training seminars on this approach.
Ricard implemented several eco-design programs in 2006/2007.

  • Ricard now produces packaging using biodegradable polymer materials that can be completely composted. This is an excellent alternative to traditional, petrol-based materials (mainly PVC and PET).

  • Polystyrene, previously used to protect fragile objects in packing boxes, has been replaced by packaging made from potato or corn starch. These materials are renewable and 100% biodegradable.

  • The use of generic boxes for Ricard brand promotion materials has become widespread. These boxes can be used for different formats and products. As a result, the use of boxes has been reduced by a factor of five.

 


Recycling organic waste

The Group has launched several initiatives to promote recycling of production waste.

In Armenia, Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC) has studied the possibility of using brandy manufacturing by-products for soil fertiliser, working in partnership with the Armenian Soil Institute. Until now, excessive salt content in the soil had made these by-products unusable. Spreading operations began in 2006.

In New Zealand, a system for reusing composted marcs in vineyards has significantly reduced demand for mineral fertilisers.