BRUSSELS, Belgium – Anheuser-Busch InBev announced last week that it is the most efficient global brewer in terms of water use among global brewers. The designation was achieved by reaching an industry-leading water use ratio, which results in annual savings of enough water to make more than 4 billion cans of beer.
In addition to the work done within its brewery walls, the company also engages in a comprehensive water stewardship program, including watershed protection measures in brewery communities and working with barley growers to obtain the most crop per drop. The efforts aim to improve the quality and quantity of available water for all users.
AB InBev’s announcement coincides with their participation in the seventh global celebration of the United Nations Environment Program’s World Environment Day. This year, the company is putting a particular emphasis on the issue of water, a critical input to AB InBev’s products and a vital resource to its communities around the world. To demonstrate its commitment to collectively tackling environmental challenges inside and outside its brewery walls, AB InBev is joining together for the first time in a common initiative—a Global Walk for Water. Colleagues will log steps and charitable donations to drive awareness of water issues in their communities.
“Making strides in water efficiency brings us closer to our dream to be the best beer company bringing people together for a better world,” said Carlos Brito, CEO of Anheuser-Busch InBev. “We believe we have an important role to play to address the world’s most serious environmental challenges and we’re proud of our colleagues and partners worldwide who will be pledging steps and donations to help solve large-scale water challenges.”
Last month, Anheuser-Busch was also lauded for its water usage of a different kind. The company temporarily stopped producing beer at its Cartersville, Georgia, brewery to instead produce cans of water to help those impacted by the historic rain and deadly flooding in Texas and Oklahoma. The company committed to producing approximately 50,000 cans of water to give to the American Red Cross, which will distribute 2,000 cases of 24 cans each to communities in both states. Earlier this year, the company partnered with the American Red Cross to distribute more than 50,000 cans to Porterville, California, residents affected by the drought. Anheuser-Busch says it has donated more than 72 million cans of emergency drinking water following natural and other disasters since 1988.