Lucozade Owner Champions Biochar in Regenerative Agriculture Collaborations

Suntory Holdings, the multinational beverage powerhouse behind brands like Lucozade, Orangina, Jim Beam, and Maker’s Mark, is stepping up its sustainability game with a bold push into regenerative agriculture. The company is embracing innovative farming methods, including the use of biochar on farmland, as part of its mission to reduce emissions and enhance soil health across its supply chain.

In collaboration with Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Suntory has launched a pilot project focused on sweet potato farms in Kagoshima Prefecture. These farms have been grappling with a troubling 10% drop in yields since 2018, primarily due to the spread of foot rot disease. To tackle this, the project integrates cover crops, referred to as ‘green manure’, which are tilled back into the soil. This not only aims to curb disease but also enhances soil structure, significantly reducing erosion.

The real game-changer here is biochar. This charcoal-like substance, when introduced alongside the cover crops, is expected to cut the need for chemical fertilisers by half while improving soil drainage and aeration. Suntory estimates that biochar could reduce greenhouse gas emissions on these farms by over 30%. The pilot is set to run for three years, with Suntory providing materials, funding, and hands-on support while the university handles soil analysis and evaluates the effectiveness against disease.

This initiative is far from Suntory’s first rodeo in regenerative agriculture. The company has previously supported similar initiatives, including barley farms in the UK and sugarcane plantations in Thailand. For Suntory, these efforts aren’t just environmental gestures; they’re a critical part of the company’s ambitious target to reach net-zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2050 and ensure a stable, resilient supply of key ingredients.

Adding another layer to its sustainability strategy, Suntory has partnered with an agritech startup called TOWING to upcycle waste from its manufacturing processes into biochar. TOWING has been experimenting with carbonising used green tea leaves, transforming them into biochar enhanced with microbial materials that speed up decomposition. The companies plan to extend this biochar production to other manufacturing byproducts, creating a circular approach to resource use.

Moreover, Suntory and TOWING are investigating how organic fertilisers treated with high-performance biochar compare to traditional organic options. This research is underway at Suntory’s contract farm. It focuses on tea plant cultivation, potentially paving the way for even more sustainable farming practices within their supply chain.

Through these multifaceted efforts, Suntory is positioning itself not only as a leader in beverage production but also as a pioneer in regenerative agriculture and circular sustainability.