Anheuser-Busch (A-B) has long been known for its Clydesdales and beers, but they should be associated with something else, sustainability. Since 1978, the Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation has been a leading aluminum recycler worldwide. Utilizing a widespread network of recycled aluminum suppliers, in 2001 the company recycled 125% of the aluminum cans it sold in the U.S. (roughly 20 billion cans). A-B continues to recycle about 25% more cans that it produces and today they have a 99.6% recycling rate in their breweries!
“Our environmental philosophy is based on the belief that the world we all share is given to us in trust. Every choice we make regarding the earth, air, and water around us is made with the objective of preserving these resources for all generations to come.” - August A. Busch III, Chairman and CEO
The principles of sustainability and recycling are nothing new, as early as 1899 Adolphus Busch mandated that spent grains from the brewing process were given to farmers and used as a high protein feed for livestock.
Energy is a large expense for A-B and today about 17% of their beer production is powered by a wide range of alternative power sources including solar panels, wind turbines, hydro-electric dams, landfill gas, and anaerobic digesters. They continue to build infrastructure that makes their breweries less dependent on coal and nuclear energy.
Since 2006 the breweries have reduced their water usage by 45%; their Cartersville, GA brewery being the most water-efficient in the entire global company. That location uses roughly 3 gallons of water per gallon of beer produced. After the brewing process is complete, they utilize the high-nutrient waste water to support and nourish a variety of local crops.
The show business side of the company, Busch Entertainment Theme Parks, composts nearly 3.4 billion pounds of yard waste and 4.8 billion pounds of animal stable waste each year. The compost is then utilized for landscaping and gardening projects within the parks.
While all of this is quite impressive, A-B’s sustainability initiatives aren't just trying to garner support from beer drinking hippies, it’s a solid business decision too. They average about $420 million in annual revenue by finding beneficial uses for all of the ‘waste’ material that their processes generate.
So the next time you have a cold Budweiser, keep in mind this amazing company and the forethought they have put into their manufacturing process. Cheers!
