Diageo, owner of the Guinness and Baileys drink brands, has unveiled a new 10-year sustainability action plan with the goal of becoming net carbon neutral.

A range of 25 goals were revealed in the company’s ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ plan.

Diageo said it will focus its action over the next 10 years in areas selected to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The drink-maker says that in Ireland the Guinness and Baileys brands will lead the implementation of Diageo’s 2030 targets.

“Every drink produced will take 30% less water than it does today, packaging will be 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable and the production operations on the island of Ireland will become net carbon neutral,” it was added.

Diageo Ireland also announced in September that the proposed Guinness Quarter development at St. James’s Gate aims to be Dublin’s first carbon neutral district.

John Kennedy, Diageo’s president of Europe, Turkey and India, pointed to work done so far in reducing the firm’s environmental footprint across carbon, water and waste.

“Recent achievements include a 32% reduction in CO2 emissions and halving water usage at St. James’s Gate. Similarly, at our Baileys operation on Nangor Road, 100% of the electricity supplied is renewable and zero carbon,” he said.

Today also sees the launch of Diageo’s ‘Sustainable Solutions’, a global platform that will provide non-equity funding to start-up and technology companies in order to develop to help Diageo continue to embed sustainability in its supply chain and brands.

Designed to support small companies and entrepreneurs develop and commercialise their innovations, Diageo will share global resources and experience to unlock future potential for both partners.