Our sustainability ambitions
Our progress in 2025
Reach net zero in scope 1 and 2 by 2030
In 2025, DB achieved an independently verified 67% (2024: 55%) reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions against our 2018 baseline. Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025 were 3,260 tCO₂e, which represents a gross emissions reduction of two-thirds in 7 years.
See the case study on our emissions reduction progress here.
Reduce scope 3 FLAG emissions by 30% and non-FLAG by 25% by 2030
DB’s scope 3 emissions data is reported in HEINEKEN’s global footprint.
In 2025, HEINEKEN’s scope 3 FLAG emissions reduced by 23% (2024: 23%) and non-FLAG emissions reduced by 15% (2024: 11%) compared to a 2022 baseline. Full details are available in HEINEKEN’s 2025 annual report.
HEINEKEN’s total scope 3 ambition is a reduction of 26% by 2030 compared to a 2022 baseline. In 2025, HEINEKEN achieved a reduction across all scope 3 emissions of 17% (2024: 14%) compared to a 2022 baseline.
Reach net zero across our value chain by 2040
HEINEKEN’s long-term ambition is to reach net zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040. This is supported by a short-term target of a 33% reduction by 2030 against a 2022 baseline.
In 2025, HEINEKEN reduced total value chain emissions by 19% (2024: 16%) against a 2022 baseline.
Globally, scope 1 and 2 reductions were delivered through the continuous deployment of low-carbon thermal technologies and increasing the share of renewable electricity use. Scope 3 reductions came mainly from an increased share of low-carbon aluminium, greater adoption of renewable energy at supplier sites and higher recycled content across the European packaging portfolio.
You can read more about this in HEINEKEN's 2025 annual report.
Maximise circularity
DB continued to be an active member of the Glass Packaging Forum, including membership of the steering committee of the voluntary stewardship scheme for glass in New Zealand. The scheme comprises around 100 member organisations, which collectively account for approximately 75% of the container glass that enters the market. The levies collected from members, including DB, are used to increase the recovery, recycling and reuse of glass bottles and jars.
Our internal unaudited data shows that our bottles and cans were made using an average of 71% (2024: 66%) recycled content, ahead of HEINEKEN’s 2030 ambition of 50%. This is only possible through the support and commitment of our packaging suppliers. In 2025, our bottle supplier, Visy, reached an average of 70% recycled glass content in its locally made bottles and jars. New Zealand is the first country that Visy operates in to achieve this (see Visy article here).
In 2025, 99.5% of our packaging was designed to be recyclable – but the actual recycling rate will of course always depend on factors like the consumer’s decision to recycle and the availability of recycling infrastructure.
While HEINEKEN has an ambition to lift volumes sold in reuseable format to 43% by 2030 (reaching 39% in 2025), as noted last year, DB’s volume sits at around 15%. Reuseable format data is from internal reporting only and not independently verified.
Towards healthy watersheds and nature
In 2025, DB designed and installed a new system for the pasteurisers at our Waitematā Brewery, enabling the collection and reuse of water that would otherwise be sent down the drain.
This new system, coupled with water efficiency improvements at our other sites, saw DB achieve annual water usage of 3.17 hL/hL (2024: 3.25 hL/hL; 2023: 3.37 hL/hL).
See our DB Draught and Tuatara Brewery case studies for a deep-dive into the work that goes on behind the scenes to improve water efficiency at our sites.
In June, we got boots on and trees in the ground over the winter planting season through our partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). See the case study on our support of the TNC and Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance Tasman horticulture restoration project, helping hops and apple growers to replant natives.
Our Redwood Cidery team also put volunteer hours into helping hops growers in the region recover from flooding. They spent the day helping to clear flood debris and replant young trees uprooted by floodwaters during the year, an important initiative to support our local communities and businesses that are vital to our value chain.
Embrace diversity, equity & inclusion
We proudly had our GenderTick reaccredited in 2025, recognising our ongoing commitment to fostering a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, supported and empowered to thrive.
Matariki 2025 also marked a truly special moment in DB Breweries’ history. After nearly 80 years, the lake at our Waitematā Brewery was gifted the name Taramainuku by our local iwi, Tainui. Read more about this important milestone in our diversity, equity and inclusion journey, alongside a pest management programme to protect this taonga.
In 2025, we once again had 33% females in senior management (2024: 33%).
A fair & safe workplace
We continued to strengthen our commitment to a fair and safe workplace by embedding a continuous improvement mindset across all operations. We focused on evaluating and refining our systems and ensuring that improvements are embedded.
Our commitment to a strong safety culture was reflected in the results of our annual climate survey, where safety again emerged as one of our highest scoring areas:
• 97% of respondents agreed they are encouraged to take personal responsibility for safety.
• 96% said they take action when they see a safety risk.
DB is also committed to paying all its people fairly and equitably, supported by transparent job grading, regular pay benchmarking and policies that ensure equal opportunity and a respectful, inclusive workplace.
Positive impact in our communities
DB has supported the Community Builders NZ Trust since 2021 as part of our community partnering programme. The Ōtara community sits alongside our biggest brewery and head office site, and DB is pleased to support Ōtara Kai Village and Ōtara Mara Kai both financially and with volunteer hours from our people.
In 2025, DB invited Trust CEO Terangi Parima to participate in our leadership development programme to support her to continue building her capability. For further details, see the case study about our support in our local Waitematā community.
Always a choice
We are proud that Heineken® 0.0 continues to be the number one zero-alcohol beer in New Zealand. Available in 117 countries, Heineken® 0.0 remains at the forefront of the zero-alcohol beer category. The brand is a driving force in making non-alcoholic beer accessible and desirable for everyone, everywhere.
Address harmful use
DB continued to support The Tomorrow Project and Life Education Trust’s SMASHED programme, which reached 18,015 young people in 2025. SMASHED aims to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to make better choices about alcohol through live, in-school theatre performances.
Make moderation cool
In 2025, we invested 11.3% of Heineken® media spend (2025 target: 10%) in responsible consumption and moderation campaigns through Heineken® 0.0 Now You Can. See our case study on normalising and destigmatising consumption of zero-alcohol beers here.
