Ways To Reduce Carbon Footprint In The Food Production Industry

*Collaborative Post

It is no secret that all industries contribute to the build-up of our planet’s carbon footprint; however, some are more susceptible to this than others. An example of this is the food production industry, one of the world’s most prominent forms of mass production, a service offered in multiple environments such as schools, recreational clubs, and markets.

Continue reading, and we’ll outline the ways carbon footprint can be reduced within this industry and the benefits of making these changes.

Reducing Packaging

Food preparation aside, one of the most pivotal aspects of the food industry is the packaging. First, the unit is distributed to the supplier in its original packaging, then packaged a second time by the vendor and sold to the consumer in another container. This process adds up quickly at the company’s expense. Still, if substituted with some of the alternative materials listed below, it would be beneficial both environmentally and financially. Alternative materials such as corrugated cardboard, packing paper and eco-friendly polythene packaging are preferred and will massively reduce the business’s carbon footprint.

Reviewing Logistics 

Within the food production industry, it’s not just the workforce that has to travel but the produce. Logistics are a significant part of the operation, and if the stock has to travel thousands of miles to reach the supplier, this will also harm the business’s carbon footprint. The food industry alone is responsible for more than a third—34%—of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, which could massively reduce if companies outsourced their raw materials from a local supplier instead of travelling further afield. Resulting in fewer vehicles being on the road and therefore reducing carbon monoxide emissions, plus the company would simultaneously minimize transportation costs.

Recycling and Managing Food Wastage

When handling food, it’s paramount to have an effective recycling system in place. For example, making sure that the appropriate recycling bins is in use and that the correct waste is going into them. Recently, it has become popular for food production companies to minimize product waste by reusing their leftovers, giving them to a food bank, or simply allowing employees to take remnants home at the end of the working day.  Like CO2, food wastage is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions because it emits methane when it decomposes. Alternatively, some food production businesses use composting to reduce their carbon footprint, promoting less waste and diverting waste from landfills.

In Conclusion

To sum up, reducing food waste doesn’t need to be overly complicated. By implementing a few minor changes, food production companies could save a lot more in the long run, not just environmentally but financially. Especially with the ever-present threat of climate change, it’s now more important than ever for the food industry to think about its carbon footprint. Because as soon as businesses start viewing these resources as valuable instead of disposable, waste and CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced, and we can begin to make far better use of our limited natural resources.

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