Sibsteklo and AB InBev Efes expand cooperation in the field of sustainable packaging

Dear colleagues, we are publishing news about a member of the Association "StekloSouz" of Russia LLC Siberian Glass (Sibsteklo):

AB InBev Efes, the leader of the Russian brewing market, and one of the largest manufacturers of glass containers and waste glass recyclers on the Russian market, Siberian Glass LLC, signed an agreement to expand cooperation in the field of sustainable development. The agreement is designed for three years and complements the intentions previously announced by the companies related to the implementation of environmental projects.

The strategic partnership between the two companies is in line with the Russian Federation's plan for transition to a low-carbon economy and supports the objectives of the state policy to create an infrastructure for waste collection and recycling.

AB InBev Efes and Sibsteklo intend to increase the volume of secondary raw materials for the production of innovative types of glass containers and assess the possibility of increasing its share to 80% in the composition of the raw mix for the manufacture of brown bottles and up to 45% for transparent. In addition, the companies plan to explore the use of sustainable solutions for other types of packaging in order to further green their production activities and limit the industrial impact on the environment.

– One of the most effective projects within the framework of cooperation between AB InBev Efes and Sibsteklo, we consider the launch of industrial production of beer in a super-light bottle, which took place in Novosibirsk in March this year, – says Oraz Durdyev, President of AB InBev Efes. “We have worked together to reduce the weight of a beer glass bottle from 265 grams to 235 grams, reducing CO2 emissions in the AB InBev Efes supply chain by 10% per unit. Successful experience of cooperation with Sibstekl allows us to develop cooperation and continue working on similar innovative projects.

In accordance with the agreement, the parties will strive to increase the share of innovative packaging produced for AB InBev Efes brands in Sibstekl's portfolio and create a full-fledged cluster ecosystem of a closed cycle in the regions where the companies operate. The full cycle should include the production of packaging, its subsequent use for food products, the collection of packaging waste and its use for the production of new packaging materials.

“Sibstekle put into operation the first stage of the technological complex for processing glass waste, at this stage we are talking about 60 thousand tons of recyclable materials per year,” recalled Anton Mor, General Director of Siberian Glass LLC. – In order to form a stable flow of cullet, which is effectively sorted and cleaned of foreign matter at the plant, it is necessary to combine the competencies of stakeholders – to ensure sustainable waste collection algorithms, as well as to stimulate demand for glass containers and packaging made from recyclable components, including from industrial consumers. This will help build a sustainable waste management system.

Currently, in accordance with the trilateral agreement between Sibstekla and AB InBev Efes with the government of the Novosibirsk Region, initiatives are being implemented in the region that help reduce the negative impact on the environment. In particular, they collect glass containers at enterprises in the HoReCa sector: since 2021, more than 130 regional catering establishments have joined the project, and more than 600 tons of cullet have been sent for processing.

Siberian Glass LLC (an asset of RATM Holding) is one of the largest enterprises producing glass containers in Russia, the largest glass waste disposal plant beyond the Urals. At present, the productivity of glass complexes is 850 million glass products per year, the production of more than 120 types of products has been mastered; the plant is ready to dispose of up to 200 thousand tons of cullet per year.

AB InBev Efes is the largest brewing company in Russia. The production network consists of 11 breweries in Vladivostok, Volzhsky, Ivanovo, Kazan, Kaluga, Klin, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Saransk, Ulyanovsk, Ufa and three malting complexes in Kazan, Omsk and Saransk. The company's brand portfolio includes more than 75 well-known brands, including Stary Melnik iz Bochonok, Polar Bear, Klinskoye, Stella Artois, Velkopopovický Kozel, Hoegaarden and others.