Britvic Brazil is planting a forest and, with almost 2,000 trees already covering two and a half acres – one for each employee of the soft drinks company – as the company continues to grow, so too will the forest.
The Britvic Forest, part of the company’s Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability strategy, has so far seen Britvic Brazil plant 1,700 saplings in Astolfo Dutra, Minas Gerais.
Each tree represents one Britvic employee in Brazil and is in an area located 5km from the company's factory in the region. The initiative aligns with the company's mission to create a better tomorrow, with the idea first being announced in September, in celebration of Arbor Day.
Julia Caper, Corporate Communications Coordinator, explains: “The Britvic Forest project not only contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions it also aims to bring company employees closer together and demonstrates one of our core values, stronger together.”
The environmental initiative is supported by Britvic Brazil’s quality and agro-industrial purchasing teams and the latest technology.
Rebeca Correia, Agro-industrial Purchasing Manager, says: “In addition to having their own sapling, our employees will be able to monitor it virtually through technology developed with the use of drones and Google Earth, and an identification number assigned to each tree.
“This activity will help us bring even more balance to the Astolfo Dutra region and is just the beginning of our expansion project in terms of caring for the planet.”
The maintenance of the area will be carried out by the Britvic Brazil agronomist team, who will plant new trees every three months, in line with the arrival of new employees. The forestation will continue to expand and aims to mirror company growth over the coming years.
This project is the latest in a series of initiatives by Britvic Brazil to balance the ecosystem. Other actions include the continued development and use of recyclable packaging in its products, supporting rural producers to ensure sustainable production that does not harm the soil and increasing the use of renewable sources for electricity generation in its factories.