Beverage

Illicit alcohol trade is a serious public health concern, causing the loss of US $8.9 billion annually in fiscal revenue. Moreover, 24% of alcohol consumed illegally is counterfeit. Unsafe products, including counterfeit, illicit artisanal, and surrogate alcohol, expose consumers to serious health hazards such as death and blindness (World Spirits Alliance). To ensure the safety of consumers, it is crucial to address the health risks associated with the illicit beverage trade.

Compliance proves to be a significant challenge for the industry as regulations vary widely across countries and regions. Failure to comply with regulations leads to substantial fines and license revocations, impacting business operations and profitability.

The beverage industry grapples with the challenge of achieving a circular economy. Less than 10% of global plastic usage is recycled, with 460 million metric tons used in 2019 alone. Plastic waste has more than doubled to 353 million metric tons since 2000. Similarly, glass recycling rates remain below 35%. Governments worldwide are implementing regulations to combat plastic waste and promote circular economy practices (OECD).