The ‘Drink responsibly’ tag has been taken to new levels at Foster’s, with the 2008 launch of its Cascade Green bottled beer. With 130% volume growth in its first year, the completely carbon-neutral beer has since been released in draught form. To achieve Greenhouse Friendly certification, both tap and bottle varieties underwent separate lifestyle analysis, according to Foster’s Group’s sustainability manager Scott Delzoppo.

The ‘cradle-to-grave’ greenhouse gas emissions were measured and independently verified by ACCC-endorsed assessors DMV and SMEC, from picking the hops, to transport, packaging, merchandise and a percentage of consumers’ refrigeration. Naturally, bottle manufacturing was considered, which lead to more lightweight glass being used, says Delzoppo. It also led to the draught option.

“We wanted to remove the bottle altogether and make it available on tap, but we found the impact on the environment was quite even when you considered refrigeration [required at the tap],” says Delzoppo.

In either event, greenhouse gas emissions are offset (through landfill methane reduction and avoided deforestation carbon offsets), meaning the net impact of emissions is zero with the offset costs absorbed by Foster’s – not the consumer.