At their September meeting, hosted by Suntory Oceania at the new Swanbank facility in Ipswich, the Sustainability Council had the opportunity to tour the premises. The facility is the result of a $400 million + investment, Suntory’s recognition of the growth potential in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
What was evident when touring Swanbank was the Suntory philosophy of ‘Growing for Good’, a commitment to work in harmony with people and nature. The design balances sustainability, the current needs of the business and opportunities to expand as Suntory Oceania grows in the market.
A circular and resource-conscious operation
Guided by more than 125 years of heritage and the belief in being a considerate ancestor to future generations, Suntory has created a carbon-neutral manufacturing and distribution hub.
The Swanbank facility showcases how innovation and environmental stewardship can work together. Every part of the site – from the 7000 solar panels to a renewable biomass boiler – reflects Suntory Oceania’s commitment to reduce direct emissions by 50% and indirect emissions by 30% by 2030.
At Swanbank, Suntory Oceania’s sustainability philosophy extends to the full gamut of natural resources. Water-saving and recovery systems ensure that less is used, while the business is putting plans in place to replenish more water than it uses in its direct operations by 2030. The business’s Mizuiku education program, developed and delivered by local NGO Earthwatch Australia, teaches children and communities the value of clean water and reinforces this long-term commitment to conservation.
Suntory Oceania is also accelerating its transition to a circular economy. Swanbank supports the business’s goal for 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging and 100% sustainable bottles (rPET or bioplastics) by 2030 across its portfolio. By reducing food waste, improving recycling systems and adding clear disposal information on-pack, Suntory is helping customers make responsible choices while working toward zero food waste to landfill by 2030.
Creating lasting impact
The Swanbank multi-beverage facility reflects Suntory Oceania’s commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably. By embedding environmental performance into every aspect of production, Suntory Oceania is demonstrating how large-scale manufacturing can drive real progress toward a lower-impact, more resilient future.
Thank you to Ian Goldschmidt, Director of Sustainability and the team at Swanbank for their hospitality and showing us around.
Suntory Oceania is a Category One Member of the Drinks Association.
