From Philanthropy to Strategic Core
Beatriz Arribas, Sustainability Senior Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), has spent over 15 years in Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, navigating a shift from sustainability being seen as a “nice-to-have” to becoming integral to business strategy. Arribas joined CCEP when sustainability was mainly philanthropic, a peripheral effort rather than an essential corporate function. Today, she plays a crucial role in embedding sustainability across CCEP’s operations, managing projects that align with CCEP’s ambitious Net Zero target for 2040.Arribas’s work impacts all levels of the organization. Her primary projects in Spain and Portugal include MARES Circulares, an initiative focusing on marine conservation and waste reduction through litter collection and recycling, and Hostelería #PorElClima, which supports the hospitality sector in reducing its carbon footprint. Beyond these, Arribas leads water replenishment projects to restore natural resources and social programs like GIRA Jóvenes y Mujeres, empowering youth and women with training and career development opportunities.
Achieving Measurable Impact
Under Arribas’s leadership, CCEP has made significant progress toward its sustainability goals. The #PorElClima Hospitality Community, a network supporting the hospitality industry’s green transition, has proven instrumental. Since 2019, CCEP Spain has reduced its carbon footprint by 25.7% through concerted efforts across various operational levels. A key focus is on Scope 3 emissions—those from indirect sources, primarily suppliers—which account for over 92% of CCEP’s carbon footprint. Arribas emphasizes that achieving meaningful decarbonization depends on collaboration across the supply chain, where CCEP works closely with suppliers to innovate and reduce emissions.
Reflecting on the evolution of her career, Arribas notes that sustainability has grown from a small department to a company-wide mission, requiring all business units to work together to redesign traditional processes. She believes that this journey depends on transparency, cross-functional integration, and continuous learning across the organization.
A Vision for Sustainable Business
Arribas’s commitment to sustainability is rooted in her empathy for the environment and her conviction that companies must act for the benefit of future generations. She recognizes that reaching net zero is challenging, requiring both courage and substantial investment. However, she also sees opportunities, such as operational efficiencies, cost savings, and increased employee engagement. She advocates for transparency in sustainability initiatives, believing that sharing both successes and challenges builds trust and accelerates progress.
As she continues to lead CCEP’s sustainability efforts, Arribas remains inspired by the potential for lasting impact. Her journey shows the power of positioning sustainability as a strategic imperative, one that not only enhances the company’s operations but also strengthens its reputation. Her vision inspires other businesses to place sustainability at the center of their strategies, creating a foundation for a resilient, sustainable future.
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