Michelle Norman lucozade ribena suntory

Source: Suntory Beverage & Food Europe

Norman will be responsible for leading SBFE’s work towards a goal of using 100% sustainable plastic by 2030

Lucozade Ribena Suntory’s director of external affairs and sustainability has been promoted to lead activity at a European level.

Michelle Norman has now assumed the same role at Suntory Beverage & Food Europe [SBFE] where she will be responsible for leading the company’s work towards a goal of using 100% sustainable plastic by 2030.

Norman joined the UK business in March 2014 following the acquisition of the Lucozade and Ribena brands.

During that time she oversaw the implementation of the company’s health and wellbeing plan - which cut the sugar content in all of its products to below 5g per 100ml - as well as the launch of a low/no-calorie drink for every brand.

She also spearheaded the company’s first movement fund, which resulted in the development of B Active, a programme delivered by Active Communities Network and match-funded by the Big Lottery Fund - which aims to improve the lives and prospects of young people aged 16 to 24 through access to sport and physical activity.

In September SBFE set out its plan to use fully recycled or plant-based materials across its entire portfolio - which includes Orangina, Ribena and TriNa - by 2030.

This would be done by embracing existing mechanical recycling processes - and investment in new, innovative technologies like “enzymatic recycling” and “Japanese flake to preform processing” the company said.

Norman described the promotion as a “fantastic opportunity” to lead the region’s sustainability strategy across “more than 65 markets to drive through a progressive programme that will deliver meaningful change for our business, our customers, consumers and communities”.

“The challenges we face into through our sustainability agenda - climate change, plastic waste, healthy and sustainable living - represent the greatest threats of our time and require urgent action,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a business that is driving change across these areas, both here in Europe and globally through the Suntory group.”