DB Breweries has rolled out a new fleet of electric forklifts at its two largest production sites – a move the company says will reduce its annual carbon emissions by a further 184 tonnes.

The fleet replaces existing LPG-powered forklifts at DB’s Waitematā Brewery in Auckland and DB Draught Brewery in Timaru. It is part of the company’s wider ambition to remove carbon from its supply chain, as opposed to purchasing carbon credits/offsets, and attain a zero carbon footprint in its operations by 2030.

Peter Simons, Managing Director of DB Breweries, says the shift to electric forklifts is a significant step. “As a business, we are committed to reducing our emissions without using offsets and making choices like this is another way in which we can make a positive difference.

“Small changes add up, and my challenge to all manufacturers is to look at your operations and consider where your opportunities for reduction are, before you turn to carbon credits.”

DB says the annual carbon reduction from the new forklifts equates to 350 return flights between Queenstown and Auckland.

Between 2008 and 2018, DB reduced emissions in production by nearly 50% through investment in new infrastructure and new equipment, operational changes, and energy efficiency. 

Earlier this year, DB implemented a biomass solution at DB Draught Brewery to reduce thermal energy emissions by 98% by October, decreasing DB’s total carbon footprint by 28%.