FDF members beat sustainability targets

15-Jan-2018 - Last updated on 15-Jan-2018 at 15:27 GMT

FDF members have cut their carbon dioxide emissions by 51%, according to the organisations Ambition 2025 report

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) members have significantly improved on their sustainability targets – including those for cutting carbon dioxide and water use – set out in its Ambition 2025 plan, according to the organisation, as it launched a new online sustainability platform.

Key sustainability milestones achieved by FDF members included a 51% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in 2016, compared with a 1990 base-line. The organisation attributed the cut to its members’ continued focus on energy efficiency and decarbonisation.

Manufacturers have also reduced their absolute water consumption by 35.8% between 2007 and 2016. The amount of water consumed per tonne of product was reduced by 36.6% over the same period.

Other targets included zero food and packaging waste sent to landfill and a 7% reduction in transport emissions. See the infographic below for a full breakdown.

Included in the report were case studies from FDF member companies, including Coca-Cola European Partners, Mars, Britvic, Mondelēz International, PepsiCo, Pladis, and Warburtons.

Case studies from FDF members

The report coincided with the launch of the FDF’s Sustainability Resource Hub, an online platform providing information on various sustainability tools that was previously only available to member companies.

The hub contains information on voluntary certifications, collaborative platforms and practical tools available to businesses looking to further their sustainability agenda.

Commenting on the report, FDF chief scientific officer Helen Munday said the food and drink manufacturing industry had continued to deliver progress against the FDF’s environmental ambitions.

She added: “The Sustainability Resource Hub is the next step on our journey to support a shift towards integrating sustainable sourcing into decision making at all levels throughout the supply chain and achieving our Ambition 2025.

“We hope this tool will provide companies, particularly small-to-medium sized ones, with practical guidance to contribute to their sustainability goals.”

Evidence-based approach

The FDF planned to work closely with the government and key stakeholders on evidence-based approaches to sustainability, including dealing with plastic waste and protecting and enhancing Britain’s natural capital.

The announcement followed Theresa May’s new 25-year environmental plan, unveiled last week. The plan set out proposals for sustainable economic growth, including measures to curb the use of plastics.

The plan – which proposed to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years and proposals to consult on charges on single-use plastics – was welcomed by food and farming leaders.

Munday said: “It’s pleasing to note that the prime minister remains committed to an evidence-based approach to establishing the best way to deal with plastic waste and will consult widely.”

Meanwhile, last month, a new sustainability action plan covering drinks, packaging and society was jointly launched by The Coca-Cola Company in western Europe and Coca-Cola European Partners, in a move that is claimed to be the first initiative of its kind.