Evolution, not revolution: building on our legacy
Over the past few years, HEINEKEN and DB have raised the bar by learning, innovating and embedding sustainability into the way we operate. In doing so, we’ve achieved many of our goals, particularly across the Social and Responsible pillars of our Brewing a Better Aotearoa strategy.
Building on these learnings and recognising the complexity of the challenges ahead, HEINEKEN sharpened its Brew a Better World 2030 strategy in December 2025. The refreshed approach strengthens focus across the strategy’s Responsible, Social and Environmental pillars, ensuring our efforts are concentrated where we can have the greatest impact.
In 2026, we streamlined our approach, reducing our goals from 24 to 16 clear, measurable priorities. Goals that have been achieved or retired have moved into our fundamentals, signalling that they are now embedded in how we operate. This reprioritisation reflects a focus on making smart choices, using resources wisely and balancing sustainability with growth and operational efficiency.
We also recognise that the challenges we face cannot be solved by any one organisation acting alone. Real, lasting change requires collaboration – with colleagues, suppliers, peers and communities. Alone, we can make progress. Together, we can create real impact. Our new motto – ‘Together we can’ – captures this spirit of collective achievement.
What does this mean for DB?
DB’s Brewing a Better Aotearoa 2030 priorities and goals are aligned with HEINEKEN’s updated Brew a Better World 2030 global priorities, reflecting that what matters globally is also relevant locally.
DB is well placed to continue advancing sustainability and responsibility, particularly by accelerating moderation, elevating responsibility and strengthening social connection through our Star Hospitality Group business as consumer preferences continue to shift towards low and no alcohol options.
We will also build on the progress made in water efficiency and continue to push further. Globally, HEINEKEN’s stretch target is 2.6 hL/hL by 2030, and while at DB we achieved 3.17 hL/hL in 2025, we have more to do.
Reducing emissions is a priority, as our ambition to be net zero in production (scope 1 and 2) by 2030 remains. With significant operational efficiency gains expected through the major asset replacement project at our Waitematā Brewery, we anticipate further reductions in 2026 and beyond.
Finally, we will continue to support local communities, recognising that, through Star, we can reach more people for greater impact, and we remain committed to supporting SMASHED in partnership with industry and our delivery partner, Life Education Trust.
