Britannia’s eco-blueprint: Innovating for a cleaner, greener planet | Kolkata News
KOLKATA: Britannia Industries is making sustainability an integral part of its growth strategy, embedding its commitment across all business activities under the four key pillars of Resources, People, Growth, and Governance.
In an exclusive interview, Rajneet Kohli, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Britannia, emphasized that sustainability is not just a goal but a way of doing business at Britannia, aligning with the company’s vision of becoming a Responsible Global Total Foods Company.
The company’s Nature Shapes Britannia campaign exemplifies this vision, creatively incorporating biodegradable and recyclable materials into outdoor advertising, making nature an integral part of its brand communication while reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Water conservation remains a critical focus area, with the Britannia Water Stewardship program successfully implementing rainwater harvesting at 17 factories, ensuring no discharge of treated wastewater outside factory premises, and reusing rejected RO water for various in-house purposes.
In FY 2023-24 alone, Britannia recycled over 5,28,224 kL of water, making up 51.8% of its total water withdrawal. Similarly, the company is aggressively expanding its use of renewable energy, currently accounting for 28% of its total electricity consumption, with an ambitious target to increase this share to 57% by FY 2025-26.
By securing long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), investing in solar and wind power, and exploring biomass alternatives, Britannia is making tangible progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across its operations.
Sustainable packaging is another key priority, with Britannia being 100% plastic neutral for three consecutive years, having processed over 45,000 metric tonnes of plastic in FY 2023-24.
Initiatives such as the Plastic Tray Removal Program have significantly reduced plastic usage, with recyclable laminates now comprising 70.3% of its packaging materials. Additionally, the company has increased the share of recyclable plastics in its total plastic consumption to 62%, demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing waste and conserving resources.
On the governance front, Britannia has instituted a robust four-tier sustainability governance system, with final decisions on ESG matters resting with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Managing Director.
The Board’s Risk Management Committee actively tracks ESG-related risks, while quarterly progress reviews ensure continuous monitoring and accountability. The company has also expanded its ESG reporting framework, enhancing transparency by including additional Scope 3 emissions categories and subjecting its disclosures to third-party verification for greater credibility.
Britannia’s sustainability efforts are not just about environmental conservation but also about driving long-term business value through responsible operations and people-centric initiatives.
Its governance and people-focused ESG pillars guide strategic decision-making, fostering a culture of ethical operations, employee well-being, and community engagement. Conducting materiality assessments to identify key sustainability challenges, Britannia has effectively aligned its resources and strategies to address environmental and social concerns while ensuring business resilience and future growth.
As Britannia moves forward, it remains committed to further strengthening its sustainability efforts, leveraging innovative technologies, sustainable energy sources, and strategic partnerships to achieve its ambitious environmental goals. By integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations, Britannia is not only contributing to a greener future but also setting new benchmarks in corporate responsibility, proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
