Belgium cheers Tanzania’s green Vision 2050

“I congratulate Tanzania for its forward-looking approach through the National Development Vision 2050. This vision provides an essential framework for balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship,” he said.

“The road ahead presents a serious challenge as, by 2050, Tanzania is projected to face severe water scarcity driven by population growth, economic demands and the escalating impacts of climate change,” he added.

TBL Plc presented its 2024 sustainability report showing that the brewer had made significant strides in circular packaging, advancing its use of returnable glass bottles.

During the year, 92.52 percent of its products were packaged in returnable containers or in packaging made from mostly recycled materials.

On average, most of the returnable glass bottles used for its brands were reused more than eight times, the company stated. The brewer also achieved a water use efficiency ratio of 2.73 hectolitres per hectolitre, supported by continuous monitoring of water discharge quality and risk assessments in partnership with regulatory bodies.

Additional milestones, according to the report, included improvements in energy efficiency by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency across the company operations, expansion of circular packaging initiatives and engagement with local suppliers via its Aerchain portal to boost environmental compliance.

Mr Huyghebaert applauded TBL and its partners for taking timely action to address such challenges, adding that Belgium celebrates the brewer’s achievements and looks forward to deeper collaboration in sustainability, trade and innovation.

“I commend TBL for its leadership, and hope this 2024 Sustainability Report inspires others across Tanzania and beyond to pursue shared prosperity through sustainability,” he said.

TBL managing director, Ms Michelle Kilpin, said the company recognises its responsibility to conserve resources for future generations.

“Our board of directors has overseen audits on water usage, worked to reduce air emissions along the supply chain and prioritised the use of returnable packaging in line with AB InBev’s global strategy to cut carbon emissions,” she said.

“Beyond brewing and selling beer, we understand that our business depends on the environment and the communities around us.

The report we are launching today tells the story of how we fulfil this responsibility. What sets us apart is not only our heritage but also our ability to align tradition with modern change,” Ms Kilpin added.