Major Japanese Breweries Start Joint Deliveries to Cut CO2 Emissions

Sapporo Breweries Ltd. and Kirin Brewery Co., two major brewers in Japan, announced April 24, 2008, that they have begun joint deliveries in some parts of the distribution channels in Hokkaido to reduce their environmental burdens in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Sapporo's Hokkaido Plant and Kirin's Chitose Plant are located only about two kilometers apart, and the beer (including low-malt and other alcoholic beverages and soft drinks that they brew are delivered through four distribution channels in Hokkaido. Through this combined effort, they can cut about 24.4 tons, or 20 percent, of their total annual CO2 emissions.

Sapporo has already been jointly delivering its products in Hokkaido with Takara Shuzo Co. since 2000 and Sanwa Shurui Co. since 2002, which manufacture liquor products other than beer. This time, Kirin joined in a part of the routes. This is the first time that major Japanese breweries have collaborated in joint delivery.

While engaged in fair competition in the beer market, both companies are trying to contribute further to the development of a sustainable society by striving to cooperate beyond existing frameworks to tackle environmental issues of growing concern worldwide.

- Sapporo Breweries official site
http://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/index.html
- Kirin Holdings global site
http://www.kirinholdings.co.jp/english/

Posted: 2008/11/27 06:30:47 AM