Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen (fourth right), Managing Director of LBC Henrik Juel Andersen (second left) and other executives cut a ribbon to officially open the biomass energy factory.

Lao Brewery Company advances greener future commitment with ‘Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives’

Lao Brewery Company (LBC), a leading brewer in Laos, is taking a bold step forward on its sustainability journey, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility through innovative green energy initiatives.
In alignment with Carlsberg Group’s global “Together Towards ZERO and Beyond” programme, LBC is accelerating efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and support Laos’ sustainable development goals.
LBC is making a major transition by partnering with VN Green Energy Company to officially open the first biomass energy factory in Laos on Friday.
This factory will supply LBC’s Vientiane brewery with green energy from February 2025, replacing fossil fuels with steam energy produced from biomass waste, powering more than 80 percent of the plant.

Mr Jacob Aarup-Andersen.	Mr Henrik Juel Andersen.

Pioneering this green energy technology, LBC expects to cut carbon emissions at around 17,000 tonnes a year at its Vientiane brewery, reaching the company’s net zero targets 5 years ahead of plan and contributing to Carlsberg’s global target of achieving net-zero emissions across all breweries by 2030.
The company is also exploring additional renewable energy opportunities for its Pepsi plant in Vientiane and its brewery in Pakxe. The brewing process at the Pakxe plant is expected to be powered by biomass starting in the near future.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and we are proud to take this major step towards reducing our carbon footprint in Laos,” said the Managing Director of LBC Henrik Juel Andersen.
“By implementing biomass energy and continuing to explore further renewable energy solutions, we hope to lead by example—not only in Laos but across the region.”
In addition to environmental benefits, this green technology, which uses biomass waste available locally, will help reduce the amount of Laos’ foreign reserves spent on importing fossil fuels, he added. Sourcing a large amount of waste wood to feed the biomass energy factory will also create a number of jobs for local people.
The announcement of the new plant comes during Carlsberg Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen’s 3-day visit to Laos, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability across its global operations.
“Carlsberg’s ‘Together Towards ZERO and Beyond’ programme is about taking concrete action to reduce emissions and drive sustainability in all our markets,” said Aarup-Andersen.
“LBC’s transition to biomass energy and ongoing exploration of broader renewable energy sources is a great example of how our breweries can play a pivotal role in building a more sustainable future.”
Beyond renewable energy, LBC has been at the forefront of creating progress in sustainability through various initiatives, including the Sustainable Rice Farming Project, which not only promotes organic farming practices and supports local farmers through innovative technology, but also trains farmers in regenerative agriculture methods that enable a 100 percent sustainable and environmentally friendly rice farming ecosystem.
Additionally, LBC has made significant strides in reducing water usage, improving packaging sustainability, and minimising waste across its operations.
The company’s Zero Packaging Waste programme, which has been ongoing since 2018, has successfully maintained a 97 percent collection rate of empty 640ml Beerlao bottles, reusing each bottle up to 14 times, before sending them for recycling.
LBC’s contribution to driving sustainable practices in Laos goes beyond the company.
As the country’s largest taxpayer, contributing over 5.1 trillion kip (US$239 million) in taxes in 2024, LBC plays a vital role in supporting national development.
Within the company, it also runs initiatives extending beyond environmental causes, including investing in corporate social responsibility programmes, education, healthcare and disaster relief efforts across Laos.
During his visit, Aarup-Andersen, along with Andersen, will meet with Lao government officials to discuss LBC’s role in supporting the country’s green transition and strengthening public-private partnerships for sustainable growth.
LBC’s green energy initiatives exemplify the private sector’s contribution to bolstering the Lao government’s effort to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as planned.
“We are not just brewing beer; we are brewing a better future for Laos and beyond,” added Andersen. “Our ambition is to set the standard for sustainable brewing in the region, proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update February 24, 2025)