Asahi Group has its Long-Term Net Zero Targets Approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

(Tokyo, Japan - July 18, 2024) – Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. has set a long-term decarbonization target aimed at net zero CO2 emissions across the entire value chain by 2040 earlier this February, and its net zero targets has recently been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) on June 28. In addition, for its short-term and long-term targets including FLAG* emissions, the Group became the first company in Japan to earn the SBTi approval.
*FLAG: Abbreviation of Forest, Land and Agriculture; refers to areas related to agricultural, forestry, and other land use. This area emits CO2 from non-energy sources.

To respond to climate change, the Asahi Group will seek to lower CO2 emissions in Scopes 1 and 2 by 70% and in Scope 3 by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2019 in both cases) and to achieve net zero CO2 emissions in Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. Achieving this approval means the Group’s long-term target of net zero in 2040, which was brought forward in February 2024, has been validated by the SBTi as science-based and in line with the 1.5℃ target set forth at the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, the Asahi Group has broadened its focus to incorporate the FLAG emissions, which encompasses greenhouse gas emissions produced by land use, including agricultural raw materials. The group has earned approval for both their short-term objectives set for 2030 and their long-term goals aimed for 2040.

The Asahi Group has been conducting specific activities for reducing FLAG emissions for some time. In the Czech Republic, the Group is collaborating with local IT firms to carry out research and gather first-hand data on CO2 emissions reductions through modifications in barley cultivation practices. In Japan, efforts are underway to decrease CO2 emissions through advancements in agriculture and technology. A key sustainable approach is the utilization of agricultural materials derived from brewing yeast cell walls that are by-products of the beer production process. Going forward, collaboration with suppliers will be strengthened through Asahi Global Procurement, a global procurement organization that launched operations in January of this year. By building further value together with its external partners, including industry organizations, the Group will accelerate CO2 emissions reductions in the industry as a whole beyond its own value chain.

For over 100 years, the Asahi Group has worked with the gifts and the power of nature to deliver on our great taste promise and aims to bring our colleagues, partners and communities together to build a sustainable future.