When you think of Lion, you may think of a company that’s all about helping people connect and have fun. But they’re here for a long time, not just a good time. Sustainability is a major focus at Lion, and one of their Leadership Principles is, ‘Do the right thing for the long term’.
They attract people who want to work for the best organisations and are proudly committed to doing the right thing. It’s more than a job at Lion; their attention to sustainability is all about maximising community benefits while minimising their social and environmental footprint, and their people are proud of that.
We spoke to some of Lion’s employees about why they’re so proud to work for a company with such commitment to sustainability.
Read on to find out what they said!
Scott Hahn works in Strategy for Lion Australia
Why does sustainability matter to you?
“Sustainability is important for so many reasons – for stalling and remedying the impact humans have had on the planet, for championing a more equitable world, for ensuring diversity is not only celebrated but normalized, the list goes on. But on a personal level, sustainability is deeply important to me as a father. With three young boys, I want to ensure they grow up in a healthy, thriving world, where their every dream can be made a reality. Moreover, I want all their global peers to be offered the same opportunities and privileges – regardless of where they have been born or the body they’ve arrived in.”
What sustainability initiative at Lion are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of the work we are doing in the community. From equality and inclusion through to celebrating cultural diversity and community investment, it’s these types of initiatives that set Lion apart as a workplace and organization to be proud of. I have been really pleased to see that inclusion isn’t just lip service, but that Lion is actively setting up practices and policies that make a difference.”
“I am also proud to be working at an organization that has a strong carbon neutrality program. And whilst I know that investing in ways to reduce energy usage and pursuing carbon offset projects doesn’t technically make the beer taste better, the fact that there is sustainable operation behind some of my favorite products feels pretty darn good.”
What most surprised you about Lion’s approach to sustainability when you first joined?
“Honestly, I wasn’t surprised! Having previously worked as a consultant for Lion, I knew that it was the type of organization I wanted to ultimately work for. One that was committed to making a positive difference, not just pulling in profits. The idea that this has continued and evolved since I have been with the company (and will continue to do so) is even more gratifying.”
Margherita Maini is Lion’s Talent Director
Why does sustainability matter to you?
“We can never take what we have for granted but sadly this is all too often the case. Sustainability is our license to do business – whether it’s responsible consumption, environmental impact or improving the communities within which we operate through employment. Acting sustainably and being considerate of our impact is just the right thing to do.”
How does Lion connect with and support the communities in which we operate?
“Lion has a genuine interest in connecting and investing in the local communities within which we operate. Whether it’s our Sales team or our people who work in our Breweries or Hospo venues, there is always a genuine desire to get alongside our communities to understand them better, build relationships, raise money when in need or simply sponsor events that provide more investment into the local community. We listen to them and seek feedback; it’s very much a two-way relationship.”
What most surprised you about Lion’s approach to sustainability when you first joined?
“The passion and desire to do something good in this space. Never any dissent; rather an abundance of ideas and ‘why not?’.”
How is Lion really making an impact when it comes to sustainability?
“Lion’s sustainability strategy is incredibly impactful as it seeks to improve our position across select social, environmental and wellbeing areas simultaneously, rather than highlighting one of these areas as more important than another.”
Malcolm Eadie is the Brand Director for LAU Marketing
Why does sustainability matter to you?
“Having 2 boys (11 and 8) who come home from school and ask questions like, ‘Why do they use so much plastic in the school tuck shop?’, ‘Can we start an enviro wrap business (available online soon)’ or, ‘Why don’t we get taught Gadigal at school like they teach Maori in New Zealand?’, I realized I have a lot to live up to! For me it is important to use the privileges and influence I have to do something that lives up to my kids expectations and can inspire them as much as they inspire me.”
What sustainability initiative at Lion are you most proud of?
“Our Reconciliation Journey. Lion has leant into what many internally and externally see as a very challenging conversation for an alcohol company to be part of, never mind taking commitment on. To do that takes courageous leadership. To recognize the oldest culture in the world, to want to listen and understand and learn about that culture and its history, to acknowledge wrongs of the past but hopefully play a role in a more inclusive and equitable Australia moving forward – it’s demonstrating our core values of sociability and inclusivity by taking action.”
How does Lion support climate change action?
“We’re on a positive journey with our conversion to carbon neutral breweries and solar panel installations. The breweries have, for a long time, been on a journey to efficiency in the way they use water and reuse many of the spent ingredients from our brewing processes. Now there is an opportunity for us to continue push harder into brands taking sustainability to consumers in a meaningful way – inspired by New Belgium in the USA, and also Steinlager’s (in NZ) recent conversion to carbon neutral.”
How have you personally been involved in any of the sustainability initiatives at Lion?
“As one of the marketing leaders at Lion, it’s part of my role to ensure that all of our marketing is done responsibly and our brands play a positive role in all of our communities. In addition, I’m on the Reconciliation Action Plan working group working with people from across all areas of the business to create Lions RAP and lead rollout to the broader Lion community. I’ve also been part of the Carbon Neutral brewery certification working group leading the marketing work stream. It’s been a real privilege to be part of those teams and taking action.”
Rebecca Loch is the Procurement Strategy & Best Practice Leader
“I appreciate working for a company that is invested in doing the right thing for the long term.”
How does Lion connect with and support the communities in which we operate?
“Lion ANZ procures over $1BN in goods and services from approximately 5,000 suppliers. Aligned with our Procurement Policy, Lion supports economic development, social outcomes and sustainability through our purchasing choices. We promote supplier diversity within our supply chain and actively seek opportunities to work with certified Indigenous businesses, women-owned businesses and Social Enterprise.”
How have you personally been involved in any of the sustainability initiatives at Lion?
“I lead our Social Procurement program here at Lion. In 2020, we spent over $1.4M with diverse suppliers.”
How is Lion really making an impact when it comes to sustainability?
“[We make a real impact] by engaging Indigenous diverse businesses in our supply chain. For every dollar Lion spends, it creates around $4.41 of social investment back into the Indigenous community. One reason for this is that Indigenous businesses are three times more likely to hire Indigenous employees.”
