More Sustainability through Malt

Malt comes from grains grown in the nature and ends up as drinks enjoyed by people. Therefore, we are dependent on nature and the ecosystem services it provides for the value chain.

In fact, malt has a major part to play in ensuring and increasing sustainability in the entire value chain, from field to glass.

By encouraging regenerative farming practices, continuously improving energy and water efficiency in the malting process, reducing emissions, and leading innovation on new types of malts, we are advocating for more sustainability through malt.

To be successful in our sustainability goals, we need to work holistically as a value chain. This means supporting our farmers, partners and customers in their respective sustainability journeys. As the science around sustainability advances, we also need to be agile: to take on board new information and adjust our actions and targets accordingly.

Together, we can create more sustainability through malt.

A Viking Malt laboratory analyst analysing barley grain

Fit for the Future

Sustainability is strategically integrated into our values and operations. Committing to UN compacts, ISO standards, and other clearly defined parameters places appropriate pressure on us to show concrete progress. By collaborating with our customers, our suppliers, and all our partners on increasing sustainability throughout the entire value chain, we are set to create an industry fit for the future.

42%

reduction in our Scope 1+2 CO₂ emissions by 2030

2023

roll-out of Sprau®, the bean-based malt alternative

In accordance to the UN-led global Science Based Targets, we are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C temperature increase scenario by the year 2030. This corresponds to a reduction of 42% from the base year 2021.

However, our evaluation of 2021 data shows that only 13% of our greenhouse gas emissions result from our own activities. As much as 87% are so-called Scope 3 emissions, with barley cultivation as the most significant contributor.

We will continue to offer practical training and calculation tools to our farmers, to assist their gradual movement towards more sustainable agriculture. To improve biodiversity, we will also educate and support our farmers with regenerative farming.

We report and assess our sustainability journey through the EcoVadis, Sedex and CDP platforms and the UN Global Compact framework. In addition, our corporate Annual Report discloses our sustainability progress transparently.

In recent years we have made exciting breakthroughs on alternatives to traditional sources for malts. Our co-venture Sprau® is a bean-based product that can be used to augment or even replace barley-based malt in beer and whisky.

To be successful in our sustainability goals, we will need to work holistically as a value chain, supporting our farmers, partners and customers in their respective sustainability journeys. Together, we can create more sustainability through malt.

Reports & Certificates

To help you get a more detailed picture on our sustainability commitments and actions, we have compiled all relevant reports and certificates here.

In addition to our Annual Report that includes a dedicated section on Sustainability, you will find here our CSR Report, Environmental Policy and Energy Policy. Also included are our commitment to the UN Global Compact principles, and the relevant ISO certificates on corporate sustainability, energy and environment, organic production, and more.

Oiva