ARDAGH Group has won a sustainability innovation award at the inaugural International Beverage Awards, held recently in Tokyo.
The business fought off competition from 84 entries from 14 countries to claim the title of ‘Best Sustainability Innovation’ for its hybrid battery storage system, designed to increase resilience and energy security at Ardagh’s glass plant in Irvine, Ayrshire.
The system, supplied by ESB Smart Energy Services, is said to provide a supply of green energy by tapping into renewable energy sources like solar and wind on the same grid. It also stores green energy that would otherwise be lost.
Graeme Shepherd, Ardagh Group’s director of operations Irvine explained, “It supports Ardagh Group’s strong sustainability credentials, using green, rather than thermal energy. It is paving the way in energy technology for industry, supporting the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and efficient power system.”
In arriving at their decision, judges said, “It’s great to see that sustainability is becoming a bigger issue in the industry. And even better to see that this is influencing even the process of making the packaging itself. Well done to the people at Ardagh Group for reviewing their processes and successfully reducing their carbon footprint.”
