CIRCULAR PACKAGING

How we are helping to change the world for the better

At TBL Plc we pride ourselves on being a company that brews high-quality beer from the best possible natural ingredients, which are locally sourced and hence provide sustainable job opportunities across the value and supply chains.

Embedding sustainability, social impact in our communities and good governance is not only good for our business, it’s the foundation of our company and our purpose, which seeks to create a future with more cheers.

SMART AGRICULTURE

CLIMATE ACTION

WATER STEWARDSHIP

GROWTH IN COMMUNITIES

SMART DRINKING

ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY

Innovation is key in developing sustainable, circular packaging. Investing in local recycling systems is a critical enabler to scale circular packaging. We build awareness and engage consumers to think about their own packaging choices and recycling habits.

By utilising returnable packaging, we can divert more waste from landfills, use less virgin raw materials, reduce the amount of energy required to produce packaging, and reduce our carbon footprint. We are committed to promoting our returnable packaging scheme, working closely with our suppliers to increase recycled material content in our primary packaging, and looking for opportunities to integrate innovation and informal waste within our supply chain.

WHAT IS OUR 2025 GOAL?

TBL Plc contributes to AB InBev’s global 2025 Circular Packaging Goal. AB InBev set the goal that 100% of our packaging will be in returnable or made from majority recycled content by 2025. This goal applies to primary packaging. In 2023, TBL achieved a returnability rate of 94.07%. In addition, we increase recycled content in our packaging, 33% of our glass bottles is made from recycled content. Further efforts to potentially recycle cans as well as non-returnable glass bottles in the light of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be addressed moving forwards, considering the importance of these packaging types for TBL Plc. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 15, TBL Plc has committed itself to returning all its factory waste. Therefore, a strong reuse and recycle policy has been deployed throughout our operations.

Minimising waste products:

When bottles are reused, their labels need to be scraped in the process of cleaning to ensure maximum hygiene. These scrap labels are air dried and sold to local cement factories for their burning processes. During the mashing process, spent grains are produced, stored in silos and sold to local livestock keepers. Similarly, yeast that has served its 8th generation, meaning yeast that has been reused eight times, is dried and sold as animal feed.

Slatch that is produced from water purification activities is used to green the various gardens and outdoor areas within the factory environs. However, tests are underway to confirm whether it could be effectively utilised as a fertiliser, turning another waste product into a resource.

Effective separation of materials

At TBL Plc, we are committed to sustainable practices that minimize waste and contribute to a circular economy. Our processes are designed to ensure that every byproduct is given a second life, supporting both the environment and local communities.

Label Recycling for Cement Factories, during the bottle reuse process, labels are carefully scraped off to maintain the highest hygiene standards. These scrap labels are then air-dried and sold to local cement factories, where they are used as fuel in the burning process. Spent Grains and Yeast for Animal Feed, the mashing process in our breweries produces spent grains, which are stored in silos and sold to local livestock keepers, providing them with nutritious feed. Additionally, yeast that has completed its 8th generation (after being reused eight times) is dried and sold as animal feed, ensuring that this valuable resource is not wasted.

Innovative Use of Sludge generated from water purification activities is utilized to green various gardens and outdoor areas within our factory premises. We are currently testing the potential of this sludge as a fertilizer, which could further transform waste into a valuable resource.

Efficient Material Separation, Timely and detailed separation of reusable materials is essential for maximizing their recyclability. At TBL Plc, we implement onsite sorting throughout the production process. Our dedicated onsite sorting facility ensures thorough and immediate separation of waste products, enhancing their recyclability. By using scrapable materials, we actively support employment opportunities within the circular economy through the engagement of recyclers. However, challenges as the distance to waste deposits remain, and we continue to address these as we refine our operations. Packaging and Reusability, While we strive to incorporate reusable materials in our operations, certain products require non-returnable glass bottles or tins. For our liquor and wine products, the packaging is non-returnable, but all materials used are recyclable, reflecting our commitment to sustainability across all product lines.