Learn more about Green electricity used at Cointreau

Green electricity: Electricity from renewable sources (hydraulic, wind, solar).

Our goal of net zero carbon emissions

Net zero carbon: The carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions emitted by an activity, person, group or organization, through its consumption of energy and raw materials. The emission factors associated with energy sources essentially correspond to CO2 emissions. They are generally expressed in grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour.

Is Cointreau committed to causes or CSR?

We do care, and share, your concerns about the impact of packaging on the environment. It is in the DNA of Rémy Cointreau to care about the environment and about people. If challenging our consumption and production behaviors is a duty, taking action is a priority. Christmas boxes are produced in very few quantities, and in rare markets. As we speak today, more than 15 million Cointreau bottles have been produced this year in Angers, the nest of Cointreau. Each is made with 80% recycled glass and naked of any packaging. Given their niche production – less than 3% - the Christmas gift pack represents a very small part of our CO2 emission that we are fighting through various initiatives. With Time, People and Terroir being the pillars of the Rémy Cointreau group, we are committed to finding long-term sustainable solutions and behaviors. Here are some examples of our actions: Recycling: 80% of the iconic Cointreau bottle is made of recycled glass and 100% of the waste from our Angers production site is recycled. Still in Angers, we are limiting our energy consumption by using only green energy. Packaging: Producing more and more eco-friendly packaging by monitoring their life cycle environmental impact, with CO2 emission, water consumption and aquatic eco toxicity in the spotlight. Plastic usage: Significantly reducing our plastic footprint by replacing this material as much as possible. Soils: Investing in research to ensure sustainable agricultural methods for our precious oranges and terroir’s soils. These are of course only a few examples of our ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility plan. If you wish to have a better understanding of our various actions, we invite you to consult our detailed CSR Report by clicking HERE . You will be able to download the CSR charter and Statement of non-financial performance.

Orange tree with blossoms in front of a blue sky

Our a(c)tions, from the orange grove to the tasting glass

Q: The “2025 Sustainable Exception” plan

2025 Sustainable Exception: The key elements of the “2025 Sustainable Exception” plan are sustainable farming, reducing carbon emissions, and eco-design. The targets are clear – by 2025, guaranteeing sustainable agriculture for all terroirs that enable the production of our spirits, targeting 100% eco-design for our packaging, and gradually reducing our carbon emissions by 25%, aligning ourselves with the global target of “Net Zero” by 2050.

A basket with a variety of citrus fruits

Our Commitments

Since 1849, Cointreau has exemplified a unique balance between terroir and innovation, and we constantly seek to enhance this legacy by addressing the social and environmental challenges of our times.
Our House is focusing on four priorities: preserving resources and ecosystems, reducing the footprint of our bottle and value chain, passing on our knowledge and expertise, and promoting responsible consumption.

These commitments are an expression of our determination both to inspire more virtuous practices, and to innovate with creativity and responsibility.

WE PRESERVE TERROIRS.
WE CHERISH PEOPLE.
WE RESPECT TIME.
WE PASS ON THE BEST.

Aware of the challenges ahead, we are moving forward with sincerity and an ambition to help bring about a sustainable equilibrium between the planet and its people.

Our A(c)tions

STRENGTHENING OUR COMMITMENTS AT EVERY STEP

Rethinking our origins: Cointreau is working with its partners to adopt certified agricultural practices, ensure full product traceability and promote more environmentally friendly practices. These actions aim to preserve natural ecosystems, particularly those crucial to orange cultivation, while supporting research into ways of strengthening the resilience of this crop.
Reducing our footprint: To achieve this objective, production methods are being overhauled with the aim of reducing our carbon footprint, integrating eco-design into bottle manufacturing and transforming distribution methods to make them more sustainable.
Enhancing the collective: Preserving know-how, prioritizing the well-being of our teams, and strengthening our connection with Angers, the city where the House has historically been based, we are working toward a better future collectively.
Promoting responsible consumption: Inspiring people to celebrate in moderation by training and supporting communities to adopt more responsible practices.

The House of Cointreau

AT COINTREAU, CHANGE IS IN OUR DNA

Right from the start, Édouard Cointreau’s visionary approach disrupted conventional thinking, leading to the creation of our iconic orange liqueur and its uniquely designed bottle. Cointreau continues to embrace this spirit of transformation by rising to environmental and social challenges and firmly believes that if we want to make a positive impact on the world, change begins at home.

A TRANSPARENT, SINCERE COMMITMENT

In keeping with the spirit of optimism and creativity that has guided Cointreau since 1849, the House is committed to communicating its initiatives transparently to employees, partners and consumers, and working toward a more sustainable future.

1849–2022

Key dates

Historic illustration of the Cointreau distillery in Angers, France, featuring horse-drawn carriages and people gathered outside the building

1849

Creation of the House of Cointreau by Adolphe and Édouard-Jean Cointreau, then confectioner and liqueur maker. Birth of Édouard Cointreau.

1875

Édouard Cointreau joins the family business where he creates his triple sec, now an orange liqueur.

1997

The first processes to improve water usage at the Angers distillery are introduced. Today, in the production of our liqueur, we have reduced our water use by 45% since 1997.

2003

Rémy Cointreau Group joins the United Nations Global Compact.

2017

The Angers distillery is powered by green electricity*.

2019

Use of plastic in promotional items ceases.

2020

Launch of the “2025 Sustainable Exception*” plan by Rémy Cointreau Group: the House of Cointreau commits to the preservation of terroirs and responsible drinking. The Carbon Disclosure Project* (CDP) awards Rémy Cointreau Group “Leadership” status in relation to the climate with an A-rating.

2021

Rémy Cointreau is the 1st wine and spirits group to commit to carbon neutrality (reforestation and financing of renewable energy projects) until it achieves its goal of net zero carbon* emissions in 2050.

A bottle of Cointreau Orange liqueur beside a coupe with a pale yellow cocktail on a red table

2022

Maison Cointreau steps into a new era with a revamped bottle, made of two-thirds recycled glass. Launch of the Alternative cocktail category: recipes with an alcohol content below or equal to 8% and whose ingredients do not exceed a combined equivalent of 25ml of 40% alcohol per glass.

Spicy Margarita with lime garnish and salted rim in a rocks glass on a wooden bar

Embodying more responsible consumption

Cointreau champions more mindful and moderate consumption, a source of shared moments of conviviality.

Cointreau attaches great importance to passing on and enhancing its know-how, ensuring that the House effectively fosters tradition, commitment and excellence.

Cointreau is committed to celebrating its territorial anchoring, guaranteeing that expertise is transmitted locally and fostering employee loyalty. With exclusively local production, Cointreau remains firmly rooted in the Angers region. More than ever, Cointreau plays a vital economic role here, acting as a responsible employer and supporting a range of social and cultural initiatives. The Qualité Tourisme label testifies to the exceptional quality of the visitor experience at Le Carré Cointreau. Rémy Cointreau Group’s sites are also committed to encouraging sustainable mobility by offering incentives to employees who choose to cycle or carpool to work.

Preserving what is precious

The very essence of Cointreau liqueur is concentrated in one main ingredient: the orange peel. It is this natural raw material that gives Cointreau its balanced flavor and rich aroma. Today, orange production is increasingly threatened by a number of factors, such as climate change and various diseases. In response to these challenges, Cointreau is committed to using only ingredients of natural origin, supporting certified agricultural practices and innovating to preserve ecosystems.

Select certified raw materials and guarantee the traceability of all our supplies
Foster research on oranges and strengthen our culture of innovation
Support our agricultural partners to move toward more virtuous practices

“I have the privilege of preserving Édouard Cointreau’s legacy, while preparing for the future.” Carole Quinton, Master Distiller

Reducing the footprint of our bottles and our value chain

At Cointreau, we see environmental challenges as a source of innovation and as a means of transforming our value chain for the better.

CSR Lexicon
& FAQ

2025 Sustainable Exception: The key elements of the “2025 Sustainable Exception” plan are sustainable farming, reducing carbon emissions, and eco-design. The targets are clear – by 2025, guaranteeing sustainable agriculture for all terroirs that enable the production of our spirits, targeting 100% eco-design for our packaging, and gradually reducing our carbon emissions by 25%, aligning ourselves with the global target of “Net Zero” by 2050.
We do care, and share, your concerns about the impact of packaging on the environment. It is in the DNA of Rémy Cointreau to care about the environment and about people. If challenging our consumption and production behaviors is a duty, taking action is a priority.

Christmas boxes are produced in very few quantities, and in rare markets. As we speak today, more than 15 million Cointreau bottles have been produced this year in Angers, the nest of Cointreau. Each is made with 80% recycled glass and naked of any packaging. Given their niche production – less than 3% - the Christmas gift pack represents a very small part of our CO2 emission that we are fighting through various initiatives. With Time, People and Terroir being the pillars of the Rémy Cointreau group, we are committed to finding long-term sustainable solutions and behaviors.
Here are some examples of our actions:
Recycling: 80% of the iconic Cointreau bottle is made of recycled glass and 100% of the waste from our Angers production site is recycled. Still in Angers, we are limiting our energy consumption by using only green energy.
Packaging: Producing more and more eco-friendly packaging by monitoring their life cycle environmental impact, with CO2 emission, water consumption and aquatic eco toxicity in the spotlight.
Plastic usage: Significantly reducing our plastic footprint by replacing this material as much as possible.
Soils: Investing in research to ensure sustainable agricultural methods for our precious oranges and terroir’s soils.
These are of course only a few examples of our ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility plan. If you wish to have a better understanding of our various actions, we invite you to consult our detailed CSR Report by clicking HERE .
You will be able to download the CSR charter and Statement of non-financial performance.