Carlsberg
Brewer
Founded in 1847, today they are one of the world's largest beer companies.

Overall

Owned DNK
Rating C
About the Ratings
Carlsberg A/S
DNK

Company Assessment

(Last updated Aug 2024)
Carlsberg A/S
Praise
CDP Climate Change score of A-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change risk. Responding companies are scored across four key areas: disclosure; awareness; management; and leadership. This company received a CDP Climate Change score of A-.
Source: CDP (2023)
CDP Water Security score of A-
In 2023, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) asked companies to provide data about their efforts to manage and govern freshwater resources. Responding companies are scored on six key metrics: transparency; governance & strategy; measuring & monitoring; risk assessment; targets & goals; and value chain engagement. This company received a CDP Water Security score of A-.
Source: CDP (2023)
12.5/20 in Social Benchmark
The 2024 Social Benchmark assesses the world's 2,000 most influential companies on their responsibility in meeting society's fundamental expectations towards three measurement areas: respecting human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically. This company was assessed in 2023 and received a score of 12.5/20. The average score was an alarmingly low 4.6/20 and the highest score was 15.5/20.
41.5% in Food and Agriculture Benchmark
The 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark assessed 350 keystone companies across the entirety of the food system, from farm to fork. It covers three dimensions where transformation is needed: nutrition, environment and social inclusion. This company ranked #22/350, with a total score of 41.5/100.
33.4% in Nature Benchmark
The Nature Benchmark ranks 816 companies across 20 industries on their efforts to protect our environment and its biodiversity. Companies were assessed in three phases between 2022 and 2024 using three measurement areas: governance and strategy; social inclusion and community impact; and ecosystems and biodiversity. This company was assessed in 2023 and is ranked #52/816, with a total score of 33.4/100.
Criticism
Supply chain practices in China
The Green Supply Chain Corporate Information Transparency Index (CITI) evaluates consumer-facing companies that have a sizeable supply chain in China. The evaluation uses government supervision data and public information to assess the environmental management of their supply chains in China. This company received a score of 14.8/100 (retrieved 24 Nov 2023).
Source: IPE (2023)
Pollution in Nepal
In 2018 Danish investigative journalism platform Danwatch reported massive air and water pollution from sites operated by Carlsberg in Nepal. Water samples shows depletion of toxic waste water in connection with Carlsberg's brewery in Nepal, and a village nearby the brewery is exposed to soot pollution, which leads to an increased risk of respiratory diseases and cancer. In recent years Carlsberg breweries have also polluted its surroundings in Laos, Malawi and China.
15.5% in Human Rights Benchmark
The 2022 Corporate Human Rights Benchmark assessed 127 companies in the food and agriculture, ICT and automotive manufacturing sectors on their human rights performance. This company received a score of 15.5%. The overall average score was a disappointing 17.3% and the highest score was 50.3%.
38/100 S&P Global ESG Score
This company received an S&P Global ESG Score of 38/100 in the Beverages category of the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies' sustainability practices (last updated 18 Nov 2022). The rankings are based on an analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, environmental reporting, climate strategy, human rights and labour practices.
Information
Price fixing in Germany
In 2014 Germany's antitrust authority fined a group of brewers 231.2 million euros for allegedly fixing the price of beer. Carlsberg was fined 62 million euros.
Climate action commitments
As listed on the We Mean Business website, this company has committed to the following climate action initiatives: commit to 100% renewable power, adopt a science-based emissions reduction target.
IARD member
This company is a member of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is affiliated with the United Nations.
Source: IARD (2021)
Sedex member
This company is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex), a not-for-profit, membership organisation that leads work with buyers and suppliers to deliver improvements in responsible and ethical business practices in global supply chains. Tens of thousands of companies use Sedex to manage their performance around labour rights, health & safety, the environment and business ethics.
Sustainable Agriculture Initiative member
This company is a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the main food industry initiative supporting the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide. Created by Nestle, Unilever and Danone in 2002, the SAI Platform is a non-profit organization to facilitate sharing, at precompetitive level, of knowledge and initiatives to support the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices involving the different stakeholders of the food chain.
22.5% in Gender Benchmark
The 2023 Gender Benchmark ranks 112 companies from the apparel and food and agriculture sectors on their efforts to drive gender equality and women's empowerment across their entire value chain. Companies are assessed on governance and strategy, representation, compensation and benefits, health and well-being, violence and harassment, and marketplace and community. This company ranked #49/112, with a total score of 22.5%. The average score was 23% and the highest score was 55%.

Company Details

Type:
Public company
Founded:
1847
Revenue:
10.7 billion USD (2023)
Employees:
41,000 (2016)
Subsidiaries:

Contact Details

Address:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Website:
www.carlsberggroup.com

Products / Brands

Carlsberg
Kronenbourg 1664 Beer (imported)
Mythos Beer (imported)

Other related products

Carlton & United Breweries / Carlsberg (brand owner)
Somersby Cider
Coopers / Carlsberg (brand owner)
Carlsberg Beer