Cambodia Investment Review
HEINEKEN Cambodia made strides towards its Sustainability ambitions in 2024, reporting progress made across three pillars: Environmental, Social and Responsible, in line with HEINEKEN’s global Brew A Better World strategy.
Key achievements recorded include:
- 97% reduction in carbon emissions (Scope 1 & 2) vs 2022
- 24.5% reduction in average water usage since 2018
- Zero-fatality record since 1996
- When You Drive, Never Drink campaign reached 10.4 million people on social media
“In 2024, we celebrated 30 years of HEINEKEN in Cambodia. This milestone is a reminder of our long-term ambitions to Brew a Better Cambodia. Thanks to the passion and commitment of our people and partners, we are proud to continue making a positive impact on our environment and society,” said Andy Hewson, Managing Director of HEINEKEN Cambodia.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
In 2024, HEINEKEN Cambodia progressed its journey towards reaching net zero carbon emissions, maximizing circularity and protecting healthy watersheds and nature.
A key achievement in this journey was a 97% reduction in carbon emissions (Scope 1 & 2), is primarily driven by renewable thermal energy, energy efficiencies and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Thermal energy is crucial in the beer brewing process throughout various stages including heating, boiling, and cleaning. At HEINEKEN Cambodia’s brewery, thermal energy is generated from biomass, converting rice husks, a by-product of Cambodian rice farming, into energy.
In addition, by maximizing circularity in production, the company has diverted 98.6% of total waste from landfills, working with local partners to recycle waste and convert brewing by-products like spent grain and yeast into animal feed.
Water, a precious resource – and essential ingredient in brewing – is being used more responsibly than ever, with a 24.5% reduction in average water usage since 2018 from 3.51hl/h/ to 2.6hl/hl in 2024. All wastewater is treated and safely returned to the environment. These efforts ensure the brewery contributes to the preservation of healthy watersheds and ecosystems in Cambodia.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
The company believes that diverse teams drive innovation, stronger performance, and meaningful connections with their employees, consumers, and customers. In 2024, 17% of management team roles and 32% of leadership roles were held by women. These figures reflect important progress in building more equal opportunities across all levels of the organization. While the company recognizes that there is more work ahead, particularly at the management level, the leadership representation shows positive momentum toward the ambition of creating an inclusive and balanced workplace. The company remains dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed.
In addition, HEINEKEN Cambodia has taken proactive measures in ensuring 100% of employee received fair wages and benefits that is aligned with industry standards and equal pay principles.
The company places a strong focus on workplace safety, with a deeply embedded safety culture and daily commitment from every team member to protect themselves and one another. It has maintained a zero-fatality record since 1996 and marked more than 1,041 days without any incidents.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support and thrive alongside the local community, HEINEKEN Cambodia has successfully implemented a range of impactful projects, including installing solar streetlights in villages near its brewery, the distribution of care packages for families in need, as well as the tree planting programs to promote environmental sustainability.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
As part of its continued efforts in promoting responsible consumption the company has rolled out a “When You Drive, Never Drink” campaign on social media platform, reaching 10.4 million people in 2024. 10% of the Heineken® brand’s media budget, is dedicated to this important campaign, that aims to raise awareness on moderation and building responsible drinking culture.
To promote responsible consumption and safer roads in Cambodia, the company collaborated with Grab and the National Road Safety Committee to engage and train around 200 Grab ride-hailing drivers in 2024. The partnership also reached 480,000 people on social media and achieved 3,200 ride redemptions throughout the year.
“Sustainability and Responsibility continues to be a strategic priority for our long-term growth ambition in Cambodia. The progress we are making show that we are on the right track, yet there is still more that we can do in this journey. Together, we are working towards a better Cambodia,” Anne de Graaf, Corporate Affairs Director of HEINEKEN Cambodia.
