The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has set out plans for helping UK breweries to meet the government’s ambitious net zero targets.

The Brewing our way to Net Zero report will include a consultation with breweries, suppliers and others across the UK before being implemented.

The report comes as a YouGov consumer survey found almost half of consumers (48 per cent) believe sustainability credentials of a brewer is an important factor when choosing a beer. For female consumers this increases to 52 per cent, with 55 per cent of younger consumers saying it is important. 

In his introduction to the report, SIBA chief executive Andy Slee (pictured) highlights the fact that brewers already take many positive measures to lessen their environmental impact, but more still needs to be done.

Slee said: “In many respects small independent breweries lead the way in sustainability. Their core product is locally produced beer, 66 per cent of which is packaged into reusable containers and sold to community pubs predominantly within a 40-mile radius of the brewery. 

“There are also many breweries who have placed environmentalism front and centre of what they do with astonishing results – water usage down to 1.5 pints, energy sourced solely from renewable technology and early adopters of CO2 capture equipment to name but a few of the cutting edge initiatives adopted by independent breweries.

“Yet as small and medium-sized businesses, many independent breweries lack the economic, human and technical resources they need to make the jump to net zero – increasingly the number one priority in sustainability.

“As significant users of materials and as energy-intensive businesses they face an uphill challenge to meet the government’s ambitious and legally enforced environmental goals over the next few decades,” said Slee.

SIBA has identified six key areas it will focus on to help small breweries achieve the net zero targets. These are energy use, ingredients, transport and logistics, packaging and recycling, solid-waste management, and water.

SIBA’s consultation will run until 19 May.