Carlsberg Joins UNESDA to Boost Sustainability in Beverages

Carlsberg Group has officially joined the Union of European Beverages Associations (UNESDA), marking a significant shift in the company’s strategic priorities.

The Danish brewing giant, renowned globally for its beer portfolio, is broadening its scope to include non-alcoholic and functional beverages.

The move aligns with growing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable options and reflects Carlsberg’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Christian Wulff Søndergaard, Vice President and Head of Global Corporate Affairs, Calesberg views this membership as pivotal. He stated, “Our membership marks a bright new chapter for us as we continue our growth in the soft drinks market and strengthen the importance of our business."

“We are eager to advance our common goals and foster a more diverse and sustainable beverage landscape for consumers.”

UNESDA: A unified voice for the beverage industry

Founded in the late 1950s, UNESDA serves as a forum and representative body for Europe’s beverage industry. It now has 39 members, including major players like Monster Energy and Royal Unibrew and national associations from Hungary and Poland.

Peter Harding, President of UNESDA and CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food International, emphasises the organisation’s critical role: “The increase in new members is a recognition of the importance of our sector in Europe and the key role that UNESDA plays in fostering a cohesive and unified voice to advocate for supportive and stable policies.”

Driving sustainability goals

Carlsberg’s membership aligns seamlessly with its Together Towards ZERO initiative, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and eliminate water waste in its breweries. By joining UNESDA, Carlsberg can leverage collective expertise to address shared challenges such as decarbonisation and sustainable packaging solutions.

“The sector is actively responding with a broad range of actions, from innovative sustainable packaging to preserving water resources,” Peter explains, acknowledging the industry’s push towards addressing environmental concerns.

UNESDA’s collaborative environment enables companies like Carlsberg to amplify their impact through shared knowledge and resources. It is particularly relevant as the beverage industry undergoes significant transformation driven by regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences.

Addressing industry challenges

The European soft drinks sector contributes significantly to the economy, supporting over 1.8 million jobs and sourcing more than 85% of its ingredients from European farmers. However, the industry faces mounting pressure to adapt to environmental and health-conscious trends.

Innovations in packaging, reducing carbon footprints and water conservation are at the forefront of these efforts. Meanwhile, consumer preferences are evolving, with increased demand for low- or no-sugar beverages and functional drinks that promote health and wellness.

“Younger generations are fueling growth in at-home consumption, prompting companies to rethink traditional distribution models,” Peter observes.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

UNESDA’s growing membership signals a broader trend of collaboration within the food and drink industry. By bringing together diverse players like Carlsberg, Monster Energy, and Royal Unibrew, alongside key national associations, the organisation fosters a unified approach to sustainability and regulatory challenges.

Lars Jensen, CEO of Royal Unibrew, highlights the importance of such collaboration: “Working together toward a supportive regulatory environment encourages both innovation and sustainability.”

Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages’ role on UNESDA’s Executive Committee further reflects this strategic direction. 

Muriel Lienau, CEO of Nestlé Waters in Europe, notes: “This is an important strategic step as we address the significant transformation in demand for waters and non-alcoholic beverages.”

Christian Søndergaard highlights the collective spirit underpinning Carlsberg’s collaboration with UNESDA: “We look forward to all that we can deliver together.”

Through shared efforts, Carlsberg and its peers aim to transform the beverage industry into a sustainable, innovative, and consumer-centric growth model. As the sector faces seismic shifts, unified organisations like UNESDA become increasingly vital in shaping a greener future.

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