LWC and Asahi partnership cuts road miles and sees 3,990 trees planted

LWC and Asahi UK have revealed the results of their joint sustainability initiative, which reduced road miles by incentivising more efficient deliveries across the drinks supply chain.

Launched in July 2024, the initiative encouraged LWC depot teams across England and Wales to place fewer but larger orders, ensuring deliveries were as productive and efficient as possible.

Supporting LWC’s own sustainability commitments of reducing emissions and driving a more sustainable supply chain, depots that met their targets were rewarded by Asahi UK with tree planting, led by environmental charity Thames21.

By consolidating orders and increasing delivery efficiency, LWC and Asahi UK reduced emissions by 65.2 tonnes of CO₂e – a significant step towards mitigating their Scope 3 impact. This reduction was achieved through smarter planning and fuller deliveries, which meant fewer overall journeys, cutting 62,500 miles from routes and reducing deliveries from Asahi into LWC depots from 1,005 to 637 deliveries.

Depot teams embraced the challenge, achieving a 38% increase in full truck deliveries to LWC depots, ensuring vehicles were loaded to capacity and journeys were as productive as possible. In recognition of these efforts, Asahi ‘awarded’ 3,990 trees which will be planted through its partnership with Thames21. These trees will help restore habitats, boost biodiversity and protect river health.

On 11 November, the first 700 trees were planted at Berwick Farm in Epping. A group of LWC employees, including management and several local Green Ambassadors joined representatives from Asahi UK and Thames21 to unveil the results and take part in the first planting. The species included Hawthorn, Guelder Rose, Oak, Maple, Bird Cherry, Crab Apple, Blackthorn, Wild Privet, Dogwood, Hazel, Hornbeam, and Dog Rose – all chosen for their ability to boost biodiversity and create resilient habitats.

Lyndsey DeOliveira, sustainability manager at LWC, commented: “This initiative is a clear example of what can be achieved when the supply chain works together. Sustainability isn’t something that sits with one business or one team, it’s a shared responsibility.

“By collaborating with Asahi UK and engaging our nationwide depot teams, we’ve shown that operational changes can deliver real environmental impact. Planting these trees is a tangible outcome of that effort, and it’s a reminder that every decision we make – from how we plan deliveries to how we celebrate success – plays a role in protecting the planet.

 “We’re proud of what’s been achieved and thankful for the opportunity to work alongside like-minded partners like Asahi who share our passion and commitment to doing better for people and planet.”

Izzy Ashman, sustainability manager at Asahi UK, commented: “Tackling Scope 3 emissions is a complex challenge, and this collaboration with LWC demonstrates what’s possible when two businesses share the same ambition. By thinking differently about our logistics, we’ve been able to make real reductions in road miles and carbon emissions, showing that operational excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

“These kinds of practical, creative solutions move us closer to our goal of reaching net zero by 2040 across our entire value chain and demonstrate the real impact of collective action.”

The tree planting will continue on LWC’s behalf until all 3,990 awarded trees are in the ground, with sites chosen for their biodiversity potential.