Molson Coors UK

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Molson Coors UK

Molson Coors becomes first major UK brewer to make all products from 100% green electricity 

  • Molson Coors will make all of its more than 1 billion pints in an average year using green electricity 
  • The long-term agreement covers all UK operations including production sites at Burton, Tadcaster, Rock and Suffolk 
  • The deal sees its UK business on track to achieve 50% emissions reduction target in the UK four years ahead of schedule 

Molson Coors has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, to supply its UK operations with electricity generated from the Tween Bridge wind farm in South Yorkshire. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement RWE will deliver around 75 gigawatt hours of green electricity per year.  

The 22 turbines at Tween Bridge will provide the electricity required to power all of Molson Coors’ UK sites, including the breweries at Burton, Tadcaster and Sharps in Cornwall, as well as the Aspall Cyder House in Suffolk, all offices, the national distribution centre and the national call centre in Cardiff. 

In an average year Molson Coors consumes the same amount of electricity as around 25,000 households – or the population of the business’ historic UK brewing home in Burton-upon-Trent. This long-term agreement means that, for the first time, all of the more than 1 billion pints that Molson Coors produces in the UK in an average year will be made with electricity from 100% renewable sources. 

Molson Coors has committed to reduce its carbon emissions from direct operations by 50% by 2025. This PPA sees the business on track to meet that milestone in the UK – four years ahead of schedule.

Molson Coors replace plastic rings with recyclable cardboard sleeves for all major brands 

To remove single-use, consumer-facing plastic from Carling, Coors, and all major brands by the end of April 2021

This project involved two stages: firstly, removal of flow wrap from large-packs and secondly, removing mid-cone rings from small-packs – replacing both with fully recyclable cardboard packaging and including recycled content.  

Behind the scenes, detailed planning and hard work from a cross-functional team of more than 50 people worked to ensure there was no disruption to the supply of finished goods so that consumers could continue to enjoy their favourite brands while a major production line was out of action.  

Beginning early 2020 the switch was made from plastic flow wrap to fully enclosed cardboard (FEC) packaging for large packs. Two Graphic Packaging Marksman™ 1600HSI machines were then installed at Burton Brewery and commissioned during Q1 2021, importantly, with no near misses, no injuries, no lost time accidents and no Covid-19 cases. 

The switch from mid-cone rings to a one-piece cardboard wrap-design packaging for small packs was completed in April 2021. Working with paper-based solutions supplier, Graphic Packaging International, the one-piece cardboard wrap features a design that securely holds the cans, using a locking mechanism that doesn’t require adhesives to keep the packaging closed. This proven paperboard solution ensures the package meets the needs of today’s supply chains and consumers.

Made from renewable wood fibres from certified sources, the cardboard contains up to 17% recycled cartonboard, alongside virgin fibre for increased strength, improved machineability and stability in the supply chain.These changes have meant that since 2019 Molson Coors have removed more than 700 tonnes of single-use plastic from their UK operations.