194: Green Jobs: 'Investors and customers want more action on sustainability'

Carlsberg is one of the biggest beer companies in the world, so working as its Sustainability Manager can mean making small changes that have a big impact.

For the last three years, Pete Statham has been doing just that. In this episode of Table Talk, he tells Stefan Gates about how a switch to more sustainable packaging was a commercial success for the firm, and how it worked with competitors to develop the lowest carbon beer bottle in the world.

He reveals that companies are now coming under pressure to be more sustainable, not just from customers, but also from investors. He talks about people in roles like his being able to balance activism with a business brain. And he sets out why he thinks collaboration is the key to tackling climate change. 

Pete Statham, Sustainability Manager, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company & Carlsberg Group

Pete has 10 years’ experience working in corporate sustainability, supporting some of the world’s biggest brands to become more sustainable and transparent.

Building on an MSc in Sustainable Development from the University of Exeter, Pete started his career in consultancy, advising brands across a range of industries including FMCG, home furnishings, pharmaceuticals, banking and telecoms, to set ambitious sustainability targets and communicate transparently on their performance.

In 2019 he joined Carlsberg to create a new role leading the integration of the Together Towards ZERO sustainability plan across the UK business, while also being responsible for sustainability communications and reporting for the global organisation.

In 2020, Pete was named in Edie’s 30 under 30 Sustainability Leaders, and accepted as a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability.