Creating sustainable food production and processing businesses
Purchasing sustainable food products is a growing priority for many of us. So much so, that at least 65% of consumers already try to make sustainable food choices. [1] In a world where our food production systems are responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions (gases in the atmosphere that raise the temperature of the earth, leading to climate change), it is critical to take the planet into consideration in this industry. [2]
So, let’s take a look at exactly why incorporating eco-friendly practices is important and beneficial for the food industry, and some tips for how to apply them in your business.
What is the purpose of sustainable food production and processing?
Sustainable food production and processing aims to maintain or increase the availability of food resources while also limiting climate impact. Whether you manage a food processing company or you’re in the agriculture business, sustainability is a core part of how you approach food systems. This includes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems in farming, creating employment opportunities for your community, and switching to renewable energy.
Luckily, what’s good for the planet and the people living in it is also good for business. And with growing government support for sustainable practices, there's never been a better time to learn more and make changes for the better.
Benefits of sustainable food production and processing
Sustainable food systems have many benefits for the environment, your employees, and your customers. These include: [3]
Better food quality and safety
Sustainable practices can improve the quality and safety of the food you produce and the livelihoods of food industry workers.
This is made possible by reducing or eliminating toxic chemicals in processing, whether that’s using eco-friendly cleaning products in your facility or choosing alternatives to plastic food packaging.
Reduced waste, pollution & energy use
A sustainable approach to food production also protects the resources our food systems rely on by minimizing waste, pollution, and energy use.
In particular, the food production industry relies heavily on fresh water, so investing in the conservation and recycling of water can help your business become kinder to the planet.
Long-term resource availability
You can help guarantee the long-term availability of the ingredients used to produce your food products by adopting sustainable practices.
For example, taking measures to protect environments like the rainforest ensures that natural ingredients such as cocoa and bananas are in plentiful supply now and in the future.
Higher profits
There is a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers, so, working sustainably will help you secure their purchases.
Additionally, renewable energy sources tend to be cheaper to run and their prices are less volatile, resulting in healthier profits and return on investment.
How to make your food processing or production business more sustainable
Sustainable food processing and production involves adopting eco-friendly initiatives to overcome the industry's environmental challenges, from farm to factory. These challenges range from agricultural practices like using non-renewable natural resources to carbon dioxide emissions caused by transportation.
Not every issue has a simple solution, like the environmental impact of meat production due to high methane levels. But there are steps you can take in the right direction towards sustainable food:
Use sustainable supplies
Using sustainable supplies like packaging or hygiene and cleaning products in food processing can significantly increase your company’s eco-friendliness.
Opting for sustainable cleaning products for your facility can help reduce its impact on the planet in two critical ways. Using eco-friendly cleaning products can minimize harmful chemicals entering the environment, which protects human health, marine ecosystems and animal welfare. Secondly, making this switch can reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation through your choice of packaging materials.
For instance, choosing packaging made from biodegradable or recycled materials can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. [4] Investing in sustainable packaging can also show clients and consumers that your business cares about our planet. Better still, eco-friendly materials tend to be lighter, meaning your businesses could save on shipping costs.
At Tork we offer an easy and convenient way to create a sustainable food processing business through our products:
- Wipers as an alternative to solvents
- Hand soap formulated with natural and biodegradable ingredients
- A range of carbon neutral certified dispensers.
You can also earn LEED-credits (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credits) by choosing many Tork products and services. This can help your processing facilities achieve LEED certification, demonstrating commitment to your environmental goals. This will in turn strengthen your reputation, give you a competitive edge, and even potentially transform your business into a leader in the sustainable food production industry.
Find out more about how Tork contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how we're minimizing our environmental impact by prioritizing sustainability.
Source locally
By sourcing locally, your business can help reduce the reliance on industrial agriculture, also known as factory farming. That makes a difference because industrial agriculture often involves non-sustainable practices such as the use of chemical pesticides that negatively affect natural habitats. Additionally, it threatens local producers who can’t farm crops on as much of a bulk scale.
Not only that, but local food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation across long distances.
Last but not least, creating a process that connects local farmers and producers helps to strengthen the local economy with consistent jobs.
By using locally sourced supplies, you can support a more sustainable food system both for the planet and the people living in it. [5]
Reduce waste
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that one-third of the food produced is never actually consumed. Within our food systems, 14% of produced food never even reaches stores or restaurants, two of the main facilities that allow people access to it. This wasted food is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. [6]
Such high levels of waste can be attributed to several factors, including overproduction and overly strict quality criteria that cause imperfect products to be tossed into the garbage.
There are several actions you can take to reduce food waste:
Use an Inventory Management System (IMS)
Implementing an efficient IMS ensures that only necessary ingredients are harvested, transported, and processed. An IMS using data analytics can even track your supplies over time and spot any food excess that could be avoided in the future.
Donate excess food
Instead of throwing away excess food, you can donate it to local charities or food banks. Donating doesn't just reduce waste — it can also improve your company’s reputation by showing it cares for people as much as it does for the environment. Additionally, it can make your business eligible for a range of tax cuts (for which the EPA has gathered all the details).
Review your quality standards
While having strict quality control procedures is vital in ensuring safety, consider reworking your standards to ensure that food that is only visually defective can still be used.
This type of produce can be packaged to clearly indicate the defects, allowing customers and business owners to choose a more sustainable option when visual appeal is not a priority.
Sustainability is vital at every step of the food chain, from production to consumption, including adopting eco-friendly practices in the restaurant and wider hospitality industry. Creating sustainable food processing and production businesses is necessary for the sake of our planet and our individual futures. By embracing renewable energy, reducing waste, and supporting rural communities, we can create a food industry that nourishes both people and the planet, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.
*Reduced with certified renewable electricity and offset with climate projects