LWC accelerates sustainability drive and confirms ESG commitments

LWC Drinks, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, has announced an acceleration in its sustainability drive, along with the launch of its ‘headline ESG commitments’.

Centred on five key pillars – climate, facilities, operations, marketing & communications, and people – these new commitments provide a clear roadmap for how LWC intends to reduce its environmental impact, operate more responsibly, and drive sustainability across the drinks industry.

Each commitment also forms a crucial part of the company’s newly defined pathway to net zero by 2050.

Notable commitments include:

• 25% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030
• Engagement with top 20 suppliers to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2035
• Accreditation achieved by 2026
• Pilot HVO [hydrotreated vegetable oil, sometimes also known as renewable diesel] at key depots with bunded tanks by 2026
• Electrify all warehouse equipment by 2030
• 2% of annual profit donated to charity partners

Alongside its Headline Commitments, LWC has unveiled a Green Ambassador Programme, the launch of a new internal ‘Sustainability & ESG Hub,’ plus the appointment of a new sustainability lead. These developments follow the continued roll-out of solar arrays across LWC sites, its road-mile reduction partnership with Asahi, and the formation of its Sustainability Committee in 2024.

As LWC continues to grow, focus and investment in sustainability forms a key part of its expansion strategy. BREEAM certification – the world’s leading sustainability assessment for buildings – now features highly in LWC’s considerations for all new depot purchases and developments, ensuring that efficiency, environmental impact, and sustainability best practices are embedded from the outset.

Ebrahim Mukadam, managing director at LWC, commented: “Although we have been making progress in this space for some time, the announcement of our Headline Commitments alongside the launch of our green initiatives really underscores a strategic step change in pace for us.

“We have set our goals, supported them with robust action plans and are formally holding ourselves to account. We want to lead by example, by being transparent and taking responsibility for our own footprint, but also supporting our customers, partners, and suppliers to also make more sustainable choices.”

He added: “Sustainability isn’t just about business; it’s about people, communities, and the future we leave behind. By making these commitments now, we’re ensuring that LWC plays its part in protecting the planet for generations to come.”