Ardagh Group reveals 2024 ESG strides — are sustainability targets being outpaced?
Ardagh Group, a leading name in sustainable aluminium and glass packaging solutions worldwide, has just unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report. The 2024 Sustainability Report emphasises Ardagh Group's two main divisions, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) and Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP). It reports on the company's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and making a positive impact on both the environment and society.
Despite the challenge
Irrespective of the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the related European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), not yet in effect for Ardagh Group, the company has proactively prepared its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting its key accomplishments across its three strategic ESG pillars: Emissions, Ecology, and Social. This report aims to align with the CSRD and ESRS framework, showcasing Ardagh's dedication to enhancing ESG disclosure and promoting responsible business practices.
Global renewable electricity coverage
AMP has successfully boosted its global renewable electricity coverage to 30 per cent, with impressive regional achievements of 46 per cent in Europe and 43 per cent in South America. Meanwhile, AGP has ramped up its renewable electricity usage to 22 per cent, showcasing a strong 48 per cent coverage in Europe.
GHG Emissions
AMP has successfully cut its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 10 per cent compared to 2023 and it also achieved an impressive 18 per cent reduction in emissions intensity from the 2020 baseline. Meanwhile, AGP managed to reduce its emissions by 12 per cent versus 2023 and 16 per cent below the levels seen in 2020. When it comes to Scope 3 emissions, AMP exceeded expectations with a 25 per cent reduction compared to 2020, surpassing its 2030 target, while AGP recorded a 10 per cent decrease against the 2020 baseline.
Circularity
AMP's beverage cans average 78 per cent recycled aluminium. Meanwhile, AGP has successfully integrated 56 per cent recycled cullet, both internal and external, into its glass production processes.
To gather more insights on recycled aluminium, read the report “World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032”
Waste and water
Eighty-three per cent of AMP's facilities achieved Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL), and AGP boosted its ZWTL rate to 35 per cent. Additionally, a 5 per cent water withdrawal improvement at AMP and a notable 13 per cent increase at AGP were seen compared to the previous year.
Herman Troskie, Chair, Ardagh Group, stated, "Our 2024 Sustainability Report provides detailed insights into our environmental, social and governance performance. We continued to make meaningful progress toward our sustainability goals, guided by our Core Values of Inclusion, Trust, Teamwork and Excellence. As a leading manufacturer of highly recyclable aluminium and glass packaging, we understand the responsibility we carry – and the opportunity we have – to contribute to a more sustainable future for both the planet and the communities we serve. While our beverage can business delivered strong growth, our glass division navigated a more challenging and dynamic trading environment. Through it all, we remained focused and disciplined, and we continued to invest in a more sustainable future across the Group."
Social and governance progress
The Group's flagship initiative, Ardagh for Education, has made a significant impact by investing USD 13 million in 44 communities, providing hands-on STEM learning experiences to over 210,000 students across roughly 680 schools. The Group also earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal for its commitment to sustainability management and proudly secured a spot on the CDP A List for supplier engagement. Besides this, Merck Life Science recognised AGP as an 'Outstanding Partner'.
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