Miller Brewing releases sustainable development report

Miller Brewing Company on October 8 released its first sustainable development report detailing the company's 10 global sustainable development priorities and progress in areas such as responsibility, conservation, recycling and community impact.

Available online at http://www.millerbrewing.com/, the 18-page report includes the following highlights:

• 196 million gallons of water were conserved last year by process efficiencies engineered by Miller breweries, an amount equal to that needed to brew and package 21 million cases of beer.
• 622 tons of aluminum are conserved per year as Miller has reduced the amount of aluminum that goes into cans, equivalent to the amount of aluminum contained in 2.2 million cases of beer.
• 99.3 percent of brewery waste, including glass, aluminum, cardboard and organic waste is recycled or reduced after the installation of conservation programs at each of Miller's major breweries.
• Fossil fuel consumption was cut by 6.1 percent per barrel of beer produced over the past two years.
• Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 10 percent per barrel over the past two years, equivalent to offsetting the entire carbon footprint of one of the company's breweries for a full year.
• More than 750,000 individuals have benefited from $5.4 million per year in corporate social investment spending through Miller's REACH programs.
• Respect 21 Responsible Retailing Program, Miller's academically researched responsibility initiative, has enhanced underage access prevention efforts.
• "PowerFlour" a humanitarian effort, spearheaded by Miller and supply chain partners, is helping feed children in developing countries.

"Sustainable development is a way of life at Miller," said Tom Long, president and CEO of Miller Brewing Company. "The actions detailed in our report are just a start. We are undertaking these projects and initiatives for all the right reasons, and are working towards a successful and sustainable future. It's good for business, the environment and the communities we serve."

Miller's parent company, SABMiller, established the following priorities in 2006: discouraging irresponsible drinking; making more beer using less water; reducing our energy and carbon footprint; having a vibrant packaging reuse and recycling economy; working towards zero waste operations; having supply chains that reflect our values and commitment; benefiting communities; contributing to the reduction of HIV/AIDS; respecting human rights; and transparency in reporting our progress.

"These priorities have shaped the way we make beer and interact with our stakeholders and consumers," said Kim Marotta, director of corporate social responsibility for Miller. "Our parent company has set the standard for being a socially-responsible global citizen, and with their leadership we are continually evolving and improving our sustainable practices. We are excited to share our first report and look forward to continuing the dialogue in years to come."

Notable sustainable development achievements at Miller's brewery facilities include:

• In Wisconsin, the Milwaukee brewery purchases enough wind power from the local utility to completely run the brewhouse.
• The Trenton, Ohio, brewery's wastewater treatment plant produces solids that are recycled into FARM-ON, a nitrogen-rich byproduct used as fertilizer by farmers.
• The Eden, N.C., brewery received recognition from the North Carolina Pollution Prevention Program for implementing procedures that reduced overall water usage and waste generation throughout its operations.
• At the Fort Worth, Texas, facility, 8.6 percent of natural gas fuel is replaced by biogas from the anaerobic wastewater treatment plant at the brewery.
• At the Irwindale, Calif., brewery, new generators powered by biogas from the anaerobic wastewater treatment plant supply one megawatt of electrical power to the brewery each hour.
• In conjunction with the Albany, Ga., brewery, Miller has partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor and manage groundwater levels and quality to ensure a sustainable future.

Miller's Sustainable Development Report not only details recent progress and initiatives, but the final page of the report outlines the company's next steps for improving current practices and strengthening the commitment to sustainable development.