AmBev, the Brazilian subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, has announced a pilot scheme in partnership with UBQ Materials designed to reduce its packaging's carbon footprint. The Brazilian brewer is hoping to boost its sustainability credentials through the use of UBQ’s patented ‘climate-positive’ thermoplastic, as it seeks to eliminate the use of plastic in its packaging by 2025. If the trial is successful, A-B InBev may look to roll out UBQ’s plastic substitute in Europe, according to the Israeli cleantech company. UBQ uses household waste set for landfill and converts it into a raw material that can be used as a substitute for plastic, wood and concrete. It is not yet clear in what capacity AmBev intends to use the material in its packaging. “Using waste in the form of a recyclable substitute for plastic helps cater to the environment in more ways than one,” said AmBev’s packaging sustainability manager, Karina Turci. “We remain committed to having a positive impact on the ecosystem and contributing to a circular economy.” UBQ co-CEO Albert Douer added: “AmBev is taking an important step in offsetting its carbon footprint and pushing back against methane emissions. We are happy to be catalyzing this change.” AmBev has previously announced commitments to produce most of its packaging from recycled materials and purchase all of its electricity from renewable sources. In a bid to meet sustainability targets, the unit began selling canned water for the first time in 2019. Why brand owners’ online activity needs to align with environmental credentials – Consumer Trends