SLMG Beverages cuts 16,000 MT of CO₂ emissions
Coca-Cola’s top Indian bottler boosts sustainability with biofuels and solar power while accelerating nationwide expansion.
INDIA – SLMG Beverages Pvt Ltd, Coca-Cola’s largest independent bottler in India, has announced a significant reduction in carbon emissions for 2024, alongside ambitious expansion plans across the country.
The company reported a decrease of approximately 16,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions compared to the previous year.
This reduction was attributed to enhanced green energy initiatives, with 90 percent of SLMG’s fuel consumption now sourced from biofuels and 38 percent of its energy requirements met through solar power. The company emphasized that these efforts reflect its growing commitment to climate action and sustainable operations.
SLMG Beverages, a flagship company of the Ladhani Group, contributes 23 percent of Coca-Cola’s total national volumes. The bottler operates seven major facilities in Uttar Pradesh, located in cities including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Unnao, Barabanki, Chhata, Trishundi, and Bareilly.
In addition to energy efficiency, the company reported progress in water conservation through the adoption of advanced technologies. These include Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Lampack systems, and Mechanical Vapor Recompression Evaporation. Together with improved manufacturing practices, these systems have helped SLMG enhance its overall Water Usage Ratio.
Meanwhile, the company is advancing its national footprint. In March 2024, SLMG announced plans to invest Rs 8,000 crore (approximately US$1 billion) over the next five years to establish new bottling facilities and expand existing ones.
Paritosh Ladhani, Joint Managing Director of SLMG Beverages, stated that the company aims to move from being among Coca-Cola’s top 15 bottlers globally to ranking in the top 10.
He noted that the expansion plan includes building 13 to 14 large-scale greenfield plants in addition to scaling up current operations.
The strategic investment aligns with the company’s long-term vision to strengthen its role in Coca-Cola’s global supply network while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
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