Drinks industry

The beverages sector in the UK includes brewing, malting, distilling and soft drinks and is a major consumer of water.

The UK brewery industry uses an estimated 34 million cubic metres of water, and over 70% is discharged as trade effluent^*. The soft drinks industry has been estimated (Envirowise EG126) to use around 25 billion litres of water in the production of around 10 billion litres of products, with the major non-ingredient use being in equipment preparation. Increases in water and effluent charges are putting cost pressure on the industry to improve resource efficiency.

Envirowise can help the industry identify and realise opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce costs through sector and issue-specific publications and advice as well as a package of free support. Envirowise is also helping key companies in the industry to improve resource efficiency in their supply chain.

Drinks Industry
Frequently asked questions Top tips How much does waste cost? Reducing water and effluent costs Legislation overview Benchmarking and managing performance Key publications Key contacts and partners

"By involving all our staff, we can focus on reducing our waste. This helps the environment and lowers costs."
Simon Cox, Managing Director, Carlsberg UK Ltd, Northampton Brewery.

Key publications

• GG135 Reducing water and effluent costs in breweries
• CS438 Brewery taps cost savings through legislation
• GC021 Improved cask washing plant makes large savings
• GC041 Family brewery makes big water savings
• CS436 Wine company reduces packaging and tastes success
• EG126 Water use in the soft drinks industry
• CS457 Brewery taps into savings by working with water company

^*UK Food and Drink Processing Mass Balance 2004