St Austell Brewery launches plantable beer mats
Cornish brewer St Austell Brewery has added to its sustainability credentials with the launch of biodegradable, plantable beer mats.
The brewer launched its first sustainability strategy – Crafting a Brighter Future – in 2025.
last year, we’re rolling out seed‑embedded beer mats that can be planted after use. Each mat features a QR code, allowing pub‑goers to explore our sustainability initiatives across our breweries, pubs and drinks wholesale operation – all with a pint in hand.
Emily Coon, Sustainability Manager, said: “The plantable beer mats are a small idea, but they represent a bigger mindset – thinking differently about waste, creating moments for conversation, and making sustainability feel part of everyday experiences rather than something distant or abstract. We know meaningful change comes from much bigger actions than a beer mat alone, but if it encourages more people to engage with sustainability – and better understand the role businesses like ours can play in driving momentum – that feels like a positive step.”
The past year has marked a standout period of progress for St Austell Brewery, with its sustainability work receiving national recognition alongside operational improvements, across waste, energy and water efficiency.
Across its 45 managed pubs, it now operates on 100% renewable electricity, while total waste has fallen by 49% since 2023. General waste has been reduced by up to 40% year on year, recycling rates have doubled, and food delivery miles have been cut by 33%.
Water usage remains a key priority, and waterless urinals are saving up to 100,000 litres of water per outlet each year, while engineering improvements in brewing have also significantly reduced water use in the production of beers.
The brewer is committed to reaching net zero ahead of the UK’s 2050 target and will host its first Sustainability Week in October.
