How are Carlsberg & WWF Fighting Water Scarcity in Asia?

Since 1970, 85% of the world’s freshwater species populations have been lost.

As well as this, nearly two billion people live in areas at risk of severe water scarcity.

To tackle these issues, Carlsberg Group and WWF are expanding their partnership to protect and restore wetlands and water resources across Asia.

Partnering for water stewardship

The strategic partnership between Carlsberg Group and WWF began in 2018, which aims to restore wetland ecosystems and increase water availability in priority basins in China, Laos and Nepal.

Its first two phases have allowed for the creation and restoration of wetlands recharging groundwater and purifying polluted water across seven locations near four of Carlsberg’s breweries.

The projects have replenished a total of 1,200,000 m3 of water in 2025, which is equivalent to 2.4 billion half-litre bottles of water.

They are replenishing more than 100% of the water consumed at three Chinese breweries.

The partnership is developed based on results from the WWF Water Risk Filter, which is an online tool that helps companies explore, assess and respond to water risks in their production and supply chain.

Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, VP Sustainability & ESG at Carlsberg Group, says: “Water is one of our most critical resources – both for our production sites and for the communities we are part of.

“We are working to reduce our water use and, in partnership with WWF Denmark, actively replenish water resources in the areas where the need is greatest.

“By doing so, we demonstrate how we can contribute to societal development in a responsible and meaningful way.”

Wetland restoration projects

From 2026 to 2028, the project will focus on restoring degraded wetlands in Nepal, establishing a new wetland restoration project in China’s Yellow River basin and maintaining and monitoring existing projects in China and Laos.

In many of the project areas, freshwater ecosystems have been disrupted due to climate change, pollution and overuse of water resources.

The third phase of the project builds upon the foundations from the first two phases, as well as creating new restoration projects in areas most affected by water scarcity.

Through wetland restoration and nature-based solutions, the partnership aims to return clean water to nature and generate greater benefits for local ecosystems and communities, as well as fostering societal change.

Julie Hjort, Director of Partnerships at WWF Denmark, says: “Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world and therefore we are very pleased that the Carlsberg Group contributes to restoring unique wetlands in China, Nepal and Laos. 

“The collaboration with Carlsberg Group demonstrates how companies can contribute to nature restoration while also creating value for local communities while at the same time addressing potential value chain challenges.

“It is an important step towards protecting biodiversity and more resilient river basins for ecosystems and communities.”

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Carlsberg Group’s sustainability strategy

Once the projects are fully implemented, they are expected to contribute to approximately 40% of Carlsberg Group’s 2032 target of replenishing 100% of the water consumption at its breweries in high-risk areas. 

This forms part of its Brewing Together ESG programme, which includes targets to have a 90% reduction in emissions from its own operations and a 31% reduction in its value chain emissions by 2032.

Carlsberg Group’s strategy focuses on cutting carbon, protecting nature, inspiring choice and empowering people. 

This involves targeting 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2032 and increasing its use of raw materials sourced from regenerative agriculture practices.