The importance of water stewardship in food and beverage manufacturing
Water is a finite resource, and water scarcity presents one of the world’s most pressing challenges. The food and beverage industry, as one of the largest consumers of water, bears a significant responsibility to address the issue.
Water is essential for a wide range of manufacturing processes, from ingredients preparation to cleaning and production, making efficient and sustainable usage crucial for both environmental health and long-term profitability.
Forward-thinking manufacturers are adopting circular economy models. These approaches not only enhance resource efficiency on-site by reducing waste but can also reduce costs and support compliance with the ever-evolving regulations. By embracing innovative practices that prioritise water stewardship, the food and beverage industry can secure a more sustainable future, boosting resilience and economic growth.
What is water stewardship?
Water stewardship refers to the responsible management of water resources. According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), “water stewardship is defined as using water in a way that is socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial”.
Water stewardship in the food and beverage manufacturing industry
Water stewardship goes beyond mere regulatory obligation; it is a fundamental part of the sustainability and resilience of the food and beverage industry
Some estimates suggest that it can take over 100 litres of water to produce a single 125ml beverage, while food products can demand even more – often hundreds of litres per kilogram. The strain this puts on water resources leaves food and beverage manufacturers with unique challenges to address and underscores their significant responsibility to take action.
Additionally, consuming large volumes of water results in the generation of large volumes of wastewater. Improper management can contribute to environmental pollution and non-compliance with legal regulations, presenting expensive discharge costs.
Water stewardship goes beyond mere regulatory obligation; it is a fundamental part of the sustainability and resilience of the food and beverage industry. In understanding water’s role in manufacturing processes, businesses will be able to make informed decisions on the most applied circular solutions that will enhance efficiency and sustainability without compromising profitability, ensuring a stable supply chain for the future.
Water management challenges in food and beverage manufacturing
Food and beverage manufacturers face significant challenges in implementing effective water stewardship practices. The primary concern is balancing profitability with sustainability. High yields and cost efficiency are crucial in an industry where margins can be thin. This leads to the misconception that water management is an inconvenience rather than a necessity.
There is a growing misunderstanding that wastewater is solely a by-product, meaning the recirculation of water is often overlooked. It’s a worry among some manufacturers that consumers may see the recirculation of water as contaminating products with ‘dirty’ or ‘unsanitary’ water. However, this water can efficiently be treated, recirculated and repurposed for both potable and non-potable applications, meeting quality standards and reducing the demand for fresh water and alleviating waste management issues.
Another challenge for manufacturers is around regulatory bodies. There is increasing pressure on industries to reduce their water footprint and improve the quality of effluent. This translates into increasing costs, both for water supply and effluent discharge, interrupting operations and further straining finances. Manufacturers in countries such as Asia and the USA have responded to similar pressures and have turned to water recirculation as a unique selling proposition (USP) by promoting their reduced water footprint and excellent environmental and social governance (ESG). The demand for sustainable suppliers and manufacturers is growing year on year. Consumers are recognising the importance of sustainable practices and so businesses should too, not only to enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty, but to gain from the long-term economic benefits.
The rich organic content of effluent and slurry holds high calorific value, making it an ideal source of renewable energy
How the circular economy works in food and beverage
Historically, the manufacturing industry has relied on a linear model: extract, process, consume and discard. This approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable in terms of water usage in the food and beverage sector. Not only does this model lead to resource depletion, but the majority of what is discarded as waste could actually be another resource.
Wastewater is valuable within the circular economy of the manufacturing industry, extending beyond water reuse for potable and non-potable purposes. The rich organic content of effluent and slurry holds high calorific value, making it an ideal source of renewable energy. Biogas or biomethane production from wastewater can sustainably power manufacturing operations, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources while simultaneously minimising waste, and reducing carbon and costs. This approach offers a dual advantage: treating wastewater and generating renewable energy, creating a closed-loop system.
How Veolia has helped save energy
The technology is proven and implemented by leading food and beverage manufacturers. For example, in 2023, Veolia UK yielded approximately 105,270MWh of energy from biogas in the food and beverage sector, including 76,362MWh in renewable heat and 29,000 MWh of renewable electricity, not only reducing reliance on the national grid but bolstering the sector’s energy security via low-carbon methods.
Transitioning to a circular economy does not necessarily require a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure. Often, it involves optimising current assets and processes to improve efficiency. Through an audit, manufacturers can map out their current processes, identify areas of improvement and invest in optimising or implementing technologies that enable better resource management.
Embracing water stewardship to achieve resilience
By embracing water stewardship and transitioning toward circular economy practices, food and beverage manufacturers can take meaningful strides toward a resilient and sustainable future. Conducting thorough audits, investing in innovative water management technologies, and partnering with suppliers who share a commitment to responsible resource use are all practical steps that can drive this transformation. Prioritising water stewardship not only preserves a vital resource but also enhances brand reputation, reduces carbon footprint, builds resilience against regulatory pressures, and secures long-term economic benefits –helping to protect both profits and the planet.
To learn more about how Veolia can support you in building a circular economy and improving water stewardship, visit our dedicated webpage today.