In our water stewardship initiatives, we have undertaken diverse projects to improve water management and sustainability, especially in the high-water risk areas in India. These efforts include commissioning and installing an ultrafiltration system, alongside implementing a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system for further treatment. Progress has also been made in improving weak wort recovery and achieving stability at the biological treatment system (BTS) facility. To optimize resource use, we have successfully integrated hot water recovery from the brewhouse and adjusted bottle washer nozzle sizes to enhance water efficiency. Furthermore, automation of the brewhouse Cleaning- In-Place (CIP) process using a conductivity meter ensures precise and efficient cleaning. Waste reduction and resource conservation efforts include trub recovery and water push techniques. Additionally, a system has been implemented to enable flushing water recovery for reuse in our belt press operations. These initiatives collectively underscore our commitment to sustainable water management, resulting in significant reductions in water consumption across various operational domains. It is notable that we have five breweries in three high water risk areas and one of them achieved 2.0 hl/hl water usage for beer brewing in 2023.
Beyond operational enhancement, Bud APAC, in collaboration with WaterAid India, has extended its focus to community water access as part of a holistic water supply chain management approach. Our partnership revolves around implementing our 7-step Watershed Management Process and our innovative solution - constructing soak pits surrounding borewells. These pits efficiently collect surface run-off water, replenishing groundwater and mitigating water scarcity challenges. Consequently, farmers benefit from preserved farmland, alleviating the burden of inadequate water supply. Additionally, WaterAid India and Bud APAC are assisting farmers in installing sprinklers to promote efficient crop irrigation, minimizing water wastage and fostering sustainable farming practices. This holistic approach to water supply chain management underscores our dedication to enhancing water efficiency and quality both within and beyond our brewery operations.