International Breweries and LBS promote improved water management practices

International Breweries Plc and Lagos Business School Sustainability Center have collaborated on sustainable water management practices in the manufacturing industry.

The collaboration between the two organizations resulted in a virtual forum themed ‘Water For Peace’, which provided a platform for brewing industry experts, business leaders, sustainability stakeholders and academia to learn and discuss sustainable water management in the manufacturing industry.

According to beer experts at Colorado State University, water is very important to a brewer as it makes up more than 90 percent of most beers.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, International Breweries stated: “Today we stand at a crucial juncture in our journey towards water conservation and equitable access to this invaluable resource. With every drop we have the power to transform lives, protect ecosystems and build a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.

“For us at International Breweries Plc, water is one of our most important resources and as a result we make deliberate efforts in water management, which is one of our key sustainability pillars alongside circular packaging, smart agriculture and climate action.”

The Head of Sustainability, Lagos Business School, Mrs. Oreva Atanya, represented by Senior Associate, LBS Sustainability Centre, Mrs. Osanua Nwagbara, in her comments, said: “We recognize the critical importance of responsible water management and consumption, not only for the conservation of our environment, but also for the sustainable growth of industries and communities. At Lagos Business School, we advocate for businesses and corporations of all sizes to look inward and integrate sustainable practices for long-term business success. We are deeply committed to supporting organizations on their path to achieving strategic sustainability goals. Our partnership with International Breweries for this web forum is a demonstration of this commitment to promoting dialogue, collaboration and innovation in sustainable business.”

During his presentation, the Energy and Fluids Specialist, International Breweries, Onitsha Plant, Solomon Unuoha, highlighted International Breweries’ sustainability strategy with the 2025 sustainability ambition for a future where there is enough water for all.

“Water is a crucial part of the brewing process and is central to International Breweries’ operations as 90 percent of its processes rely on water. To ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental impact, each factory is equipped with functional water treatment plants to treat water before it enters the environment,” Unuoha said.

The web forum also included an interactive session themed “Water Management in Business and Community Resilience,” where discussions identified best practices that companies should adopt to promote sustainable development in communities that align with the organization’s goals.