CSR in Supply Chains of Brewing Industry

Abstract

The European brewing sector engages in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity on various aspects. More and more importance is being attached at breweries to responsible use of resources in the production process. All large beer-producing concerns currently employ experts in environment protection. Their job is to analyse the impact of production on the natural environment. At present, special attention is paid to: responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, reverse logistics, minimising water and wastewater use as well as energy and gas emission. They inform about their progress in this field in CSR reports. It not only helps to emphasise the ethical aspect of the company’s operation and authenticate its mission in the clients’ eyes, but also facilitates cost optimisation—reduction of water consumption or recycling are economically profitable. The aim of this chapter is to show the way in which the CSR conception is put into practice by Polish brewing enterprises and how it influences their functioning on the example of the two largest beer producers in Poland.