Sustainable Finance and Carbon Neutrality in the Brewery Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract This article investigates barriers, risks, and opportunities in the transition of breweries to a low-carbon economy, focusing on the role of sustainable finance in enabling decarbonization. Drawing on a systematic literature review and sector-specific data, it analyses how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores and financial performance interact, revealing short-term trade-offs for global majors and more diverse patterns among regional breweries. The findings suggest that profitability and sustainability performance are inconsistent, reflecting regulatory, technological, and market complexities. As exploratory work, this study offers initial insights and opens avenues for further research.