In 2024, Koninklijke Grolsch has again made great strides towards more sustainable and responsible business practices. The brewer's latest achievements are detailed in the 2024 sustainability highlights, published today. In addition to projects on packaging, carbon emissions and water, Grolsch is also serious about taking its social responsibility, e.g. through volunteering and promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

 

One of 2024's main projects revolved around water. "At Grolsch, we’ve always prioritised water efficiency and continually look for ways to reduce our water use. In partnership with the Vechtstromen Water Board and Vitens, we have set up 'De Twentse Golf' to address water scarcity in the Twente region. In 2024, we developed plans to reuse treated wastewater as rinse water, effectively setting up a circular water source," says Grolsch Sustainability Manager Susan Ladrak.

 

"Grolsch also takes pride in its smaller initiatives, like the two beehives that were installed on brewery grounds last year. The bees help boost biodiversity and support a greener environment. Projects don't have to be large to be meaningful."

 

Social engagement
Grolsch is also committed to making a difference on the social side. Last year, some 220 employees rolled up their sleeves as part of the company's 'Tijd voor Elkaar' volunteer programme, which allows all staff members to spend two working days a year doing volunteer work. Together, they spent 1182 hours volunteering across 31 different projects. "The brewery has also stepped up its efforts to promote responsible alcohol use, introducing our revised internal alcohol policy, including online training for staff, as well as welcoming the KiKiD Foundation to perform their educational play 'Booze' for brewery employees."

 

2024 Highlights
In addition to further developing its water community, installing two new beehives, and launching various community initiatives, Grolsch has achieved even more impressive milestones in the field of sustainable and responsible business. A few highlights: 

• Peroni Nastro Azzurro has switched from a single-use bottle to a returnable deposit bottle in the Netherlands. The new, returnable bottle is much more sustainable, without sacrificing its stylish appearance.
• The first electric delivery truck of Grolsch’s subsidiary De Klok Dranken was introduced, now serving the Enschede region.
• Grolsch has expanded its fleet of lorries equipped with solar panels from 2 to 8, which means more lorries can now charge their batteries with solar energy and use less fuel as a result.
• The green gas installation on brewery grounds converts biogas from wastewater treatment into green gas, which is fed into the public gas network. In 2024, we supplied 781,000 Nm³ of green gas to Boekelo, enough to power 475 households.