Refresco
Aiding Refresco UK’s decarbonisation efforts over the past three years.
Refresco is a global independent beverage solutions provider. They produce over 40 million litres of some of the world’s favourite drinks per day.
What did the client need?
Refresco UK initially set out to complete their first complete value chain GHG footprint. This was necessary for sustainability disclosures and ensuring they had a thorough understanding of their Greenhouse Gas emissions, which is a key pillar of their Every Drink Matters ESG strategy. It would also be foundational for their decarbonisation efforts.
Subsequently, Refresco UK needed to understand the most efficient route to achieving net zero. They have more influence over their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, so they were keen to start there.
How did Verco support the client?
Starting in 2023, we assisted the client by verifying their Scope 1 and 2 emission calculations and preparing their first complete Scope 3 GHG inventory. This required careful consideration of their extensive international supply chain, multiple packaging formats and variety of co-manufacturing arrangements.
In 2024-2025, we conducted a net zero assessment of Refresco UK’s largest manufacturing site, located in Bridgwater. We followed on with assessments of two further sites, each with differing product profiles and facility types. We also delivered energy efficiency assessments of the two remaining large manufacturing sites in the UK.
What was the result?
Refresco UK now has a comprehensive Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG Inventory. They are able to report their footprint annually, in line with best practice.
Having found value in the individual site net zero assessments, Refresco UK has also engaged Verco to compile all findings within a single UK-wide Scope 1 and 2 roadmap. This will provide region-wide clarity on key steps and milestones in their bid to reach operational net zero.
Results from the audits:
- The energy savings identified focused on operational changes, tactical improvements, energy efficiency technology and process optimisation/controls.
- Optimum routes to net zero were identified, utilising combinations of technologies and adjustments to the types of heat supplied (for example, moving from steam to hot water where possible) to replace natural gas steam boilers at each site. This includes capital and operational cost impacts outlined in the site’s post optimisation scenario.
We originally appointed Verco to complete our first full value chain carbon mapping, including our Scope 3 emissions. This involved a lot of education and support at the start to help key stakeholders understand why they had to provide certain data. Verco goes above and beyond to help educate and recommend the most accurate ways to measure and report our carbon footprint. We then worked with them on carbon reduction and energy efficiency audits, to help us understand the drivers of our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and what actions would be needed to help reduce our carbon footprint. Verco were incredibly knowledgeable and efficient. Where they could save time they would make alternative suggestions, and they built rapport with the sites very quickly. We are currently working with them on a Net Zero roadmap which will be instrumental in guiding our business to making decisions which will drive down our operational carbon footprint.