Ardagh​​ Group is a global supplier of infinitely recyclable, metal and glass increased our focus on sustainability and in particular on the Circular Economy powered by renewable electricity. We have also in the process of restructuring our Community Involvement Programme to ensure we play a more prominent part in our local communities.

In July 2020 we revised our Sustainability Strategy with a focus on three key pillars – Emissions, Ecology and Social. We became signatories to the Science Based Target Initiative with a commitment to reduce our emissions in line with the 1.5⁰C global warming protocol. This will result in a reduction in GHG emissions of 27%. We are developing 10 year plans that outline what it takes to reach these goals. The key levers that will enable us to achieve our target are – increasing recycled content, moving to renewable electricity, improved energy efficiency and low carbon transport. In addition, the most exciting project we are working on in our glass business is the Furnace of the Future. Typical glass furnaces work on 80% gas and 20% electricity. With the Furnace of the Future project we are looking at inverting this and having the furnace run on 20% gas and 80% electricity. This project is a consortium of 19 glass container manufacturers in Europe.

Our Social pillar is focused on engaging with our employees to make Ardagh a great place to work as well as giving back to our communities with recycling and education being the two main themes. We have partnered with the Design Museum in London to create Ardagh Young Creatives – a programme that is focused on introducing hard to reach children to design and the enriching careers that it can offer.

We are on an exciting journey in Ardagh and we are looking forward to making progress during the next number of years.

The session will be hosted by John Sadlier, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ardagh Group