One of Australia’s largest beer companies – leading the way in calling for an end to native forestry, is one of several beer and alcohol brands connected to the historic Carlton and United Brewers (CUB). Last week, Wood Central revealed that 4 Pines Beer – now owned by Ashai Brewers (following its 2019 acquisition of CUB’s assets) went out front and wrote a submission to the NSW Forestry Industry Action Panel:
“On behalf of our team at 4 Pines Beer, a proud B Corp Certified business, 1% for the Planet member, and partner of Landcare Australia, I am writing to support the end of native forest logging in NSW,” according to the submission,” wrote Sarah Turner, 4 Pines Beer’s Environmental & Social Impact Advisor. “The FCNSW’s native hardwood division is not commercially viable. Even with the subsidies, the state-based forestry corporations are losing millions each year.”
“We urge the government to commit to ending native forest logging and focus on sustainable alternatives that protect our planet and people.”
Sarah Turner, Environmental & Social Impact Advisor, 4 Pines Beer who made the submission on behalf of the Beer Company.
Ms Turner’s unsolicited push on behalf of 4 Pines Beer and Ashai Brewers comes despite Ashai being amongst the most prolific users of hardwood pallets Australia-wide. Last year, Wood Central revealed that the supply of hardwood pallets, known for their sturdiness and capacity load, dipped 40% following the snap decision by the Victorian government to stop harvesting their hardwood forests.
“Hardwood and softwood pallets are not a like-for-like comparison,” according to an expert who spoke to Wood Central about concerns around supply. “So if 4 Pines Beer and Ashai Brewers are moving product around Australia – more than 400,000 litres of beer alone according to CUB – they are more than likely using Chep or Loscam pallets sourced from Australian native timbers.”
Starting in the early 19th century in Tasmania, CUB is now responsible for producing 45 million slabs of alcohol every year. Its brands include…
- 4 Pines Beer
- Asahi Dry
- Balter, Budweiser
- Carlton Draught
- Cascade
- Crown Larger,
- Great Northern Brewing Company
- Green Beacon
- Lexington Hill Cocktail Club
- Matilda Bay
- Mercury Cider
- Mountain Goat
- Nikka Whiskey
- Peroni
- Pirate Life
- Pure Blonde
- Riot Wine Co
- Somersby Cider
- The Black Douglas Whisky
- Victoria Bitter
- Vodka Cruiser
- Woodstock Bourbon.
Wood Central has reached out to 4 Pines Beer for additional comment.