One of the company's branches is located in the so-called Country of Lakes district in Lithuania, an area that embraces more than 1000 lakes, and only a few kilometres from the borders of the National park. Recognising this, the brewery announced an ambitious target to turn the region into an ecological haven.
As part of this programme, Svyturys-Utenos Alus organised a voluntary one-day eco-trip by canoes and on foot. During the trip, employees were staffed with the task of cleaning the most secluded parts of the National park. In just one day, 150 employees gathered 2 tonnes of litter, which amounts to an entire truckload.
“Day-trippers are still leaving behind untidy fireplaces and discarding bags full of garbage in the camping sites. Hence, these bad habits are supplanted only by encouraging the ecological consciousness. 'Lead by example' – this is the aim of our trip”, - said Rolandas Virsilas, CEO of Svyturys-Utenos Alus.
As part of the programme, Utenos Alus has not only invited the employees to participate in the eco-trip, but the company was also the first in Lithuania to offer day-trippers to the National park biodegradable garbage bags when they purchased beer.
In addition, beer brewers also established seven Eco-stops next to the main motorways that lead to the region. In these Eco-stops, the day-trippers can leave their garbage after their day out.
The sustainability of the natural environment is of key concern to the Carlsberg Group. Not only do we source most of our ingredients directly from nature, we also realise that the environment is a shared resource that should be there for all to enjoy. Initiatives such as Svyturys-Utenos Alus's Country of Lakes ecological program demonstrate Carlsberg's commitment to being a responsible brewer. We want to ensure that we contribute to local communities and create benefits for them