--- title: How to increase sustainability in food production description: Sustainability is vital to the future food industry supply chain. This guide explores the implications and benefits of sustainable food production. image: https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/HubSpot%20original%20files%20(DO%20NOT%20DELETE)/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg --- [CAREERS](https://www-dev.foodsconnected.com/careers/) [REGISTER](https://app.foodsconnected.com/Register.aspx) [YOUR ACCOUNT](https://app.foodsconnected.com/idsrv/login?ReturnUrl=%2Fidsrv%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%3Fredirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fapp.foodsconnected.com%252FLoginRedirect.aspx%26client_id%3Dcore%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Dcore%2520connected_api%2520offline_access%2520analytics_manager%26code_challenge_method%3DS256%26code_challenge%3Dy6zXsYnI20T4Zzc_s7HmDAt7OlhL2zujgcEkoUtd7sA%26state%3Dwomypx52%26prompt%3D) [![fc-logo](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Support%20site/fc-logo.svg "fc-logo")](http://foodsconnected.com) - [Our Solutions](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/) - [Food Compliance Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/compliance-management-software/) - [Safety Audits & Quality Management](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/safety-and-quality-management-software/) - [Food Procurement Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/procurement-supply-chain/) - [Food Specifications & NPD](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/specifications-and-npd-software/) - [CSR & Supply Chain Sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-management-software/) - [Food Traceability Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-traceability-software/) - [Reporting & Analytics](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/food-software-reporting-tool/) - [HACCP Management Software](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/haccp-software/) - [Meat Processing Software Solution](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/meat-processing-software/) - [Our Services](https://www.foodsconnected.com/our-services/) - [Sectors](https://www.foodsconnected.com/sectors/) - [About Us](https://www.foodsconnected.com/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/?_gl=1*8p51p6*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY3NC41MS4wLjA.) - [Resources](https://www.foodsconnected.com/resources/) - [Support](https://support.foodsconnected.com/support/home?_gl=1*hrp5ae*_gcl_au*NTI1NDc4NjczLjE3MzM3ODU3ODc.*_ga*MjE3OTA1Njg4LjE3MzM3ODU3ODU.*_ga_X4TZRQCH9W*MTczNjk0MTQ5NC45LjEuMTczNjk0MjY4OC4zNy4wLjA.) [Request a Demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo) ![How to increase sustainability in food production](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/HubSpot%20original%20files%20(DO%20NOT%20DELETE)/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg) [Sustainability](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/sustainability) [Supply Chain Management](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/supply-chain-management) [Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/procurement) [Regulations](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/regulations) [Food Safety & Quality](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/tag/food-safety-quality) # How to increase sustainability in food production By [Greer McNally](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/author/greer-mcnally) 04/12/2023 [Back](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) How to increase sustainability in food production Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/HubSpot%20original%20files%20%28DO%20NOT%20DELETE%29/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/HubSpot%20original%20files%20%28DO%20NOT%20DELETE%29/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg) [Back to main blog](https://blog.foodsconnected.com) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/HubSpot%20original%20files%20%28DO%20NOT%20DELETE%29/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production&media=https://4895550.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4895550/HubSpot%20original%20files%20%28DO%20NOT%20DELETE%29/1.%20HubSpot%20Images/WebinarMay23_bg.jpg) In the following article, we look at sustainability through a food industry lens, dissecting what it means to businesses, and analysing the steps brands need to take to improve their sustainability in an industry that contributes significantly to world carbon emissions.  Every industry is talking about it. From textiles to timber, sustainability is a key planning point in boardrooms all around the globe. But there is a sticking point – sustainability represents different things to different sectors. So, with that in mind, what exactly does sustainability mean in the context of agri-food to manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and food service providers?  ## What is sustainability in the food industry?  In food industry terms, sustainability covers the reduction of food waste and carbon emissions, better farming practices – both agricultural and livestock, packaging, recycling and transportation. It can be incorporated into and optimised for nearly every facet of the food supply chain. But implementing positive sustainability practices can feel like a massive challenge when the food and drink industry is currently viewed as contributing to climate issues rather than backing initiatives to tackle them.   ## The sustainability stats  It’s estimated that around [25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions](https://ourworldindata.org/food-ghg-emissions) are attributable to crop production. Plant and animal production use as much as [70% of the world’s freshwater resources](https://www.fao.org/3/i7959e/i7959e.pdf) - and this is only one part of the supply chain. Food purchasing and procurement are also integral to the wider environmental impact of the food industry.  > "Plant and animal production use as much as [70% of the world’s freshwater resources"](https://www.fao.org/3/i7959e/i7959e.pdf)  Sustainability also covers human and economic health. So, being aware of the exploitative and unsafe working conditions in certain areas of the global agricultural and food production system are also factors here.   ## The current situation  In short, it would be fair to say that according to the UN [current food production practices are not sustainable](https://ourworld.unu.edu/en/agriculture-and-food-systems-unsustainable). But by making a concerted effort to incorporate sustainability into food production, purchasing and distribution, this opinion could change. Plus, there are direct, material benefits for the businesses that do implement sustainable principles.   ## What are the benefits of sustainable food production?  Let’s consider the benefits of sustainable food production under the UN’s suggested pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic wellbeing.  ### Environmental benefits  | Action  | Benefit  | | --- | --- | | More responsible antibiotic usage in food-producing animals  | Less risk to animal and human health  | | Switch to organic fertilisers  | Reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and preserve biodiversity  | | Efficient irrigation  | Minimise water pollution and conserve natural water resources  | | Responsible water management techniques  | Minimise water pollution  | | Crop rotation  | Reduce the usage of land-based pollutants such as fertilisers and pesticides  | | Increased efficiency of livestock supply chain  | Limited future GHG emissions growth  | Together these lead to a more sustainable agriculture and livestock system and are hopefully achievable without a huge financial outlay.  . ### Social benefits  | Action  | Benefit  | | --- | --- | | Better working conditions and fairer labour practices  | Economic uplift  | | Industry training programmes  | Better job opportunities   | | Support for smaller-scale farmers | Stronger community-supported supply chain  | ### Economic benefits  Individual actions such as reducing waste, employing a more efficient logistics system and lowering resource demand all have the same benefits. They reduce costs, enhance profitability in the supply chain and deliver better food security. There are opportunities to develop and implement new technologies too - building a food supply chain that’s more resilient to challenges such as natural disasters and geopolitical unrest.   ## Building brand loyalty  Finally, there’s the matter of the consumer – and the power that they wield. A recent [Deloitte study](https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/sustainable-consumer-what-consumers-do.html) underlines just how committed consumers are to making sustainable changes in their lives both at home and with their spending habits - 76% have recycled or composted household waste in the last twelve months, 55% have opted to repair an existing item rather than replace it with something new, and most tellingly one in three have stopped purchasing certain brands due to ethical and sustainability concerns.   > *"one in three have stopped purchasing certain brands due to ethical and sustainability concerns"* Consumers want the brands they invest in to lead with transparency, so they can make more deliberate sustainability choices. [Businesses that do not put sustainability first](https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/sustainable-consumer-what-consumers-do.html) and revisit consumer expectations through a sustainability lens, rethinking their segmentation and aligning their offering accordingly, could very well find themselves suffering financially.   ### Here are three easy wins that will resonate with consumers:  1\. Reconsider the impact of existing products and services   2\. Embed a circular model, so reductions can be achieved in resource usage, energy consumption and waste generation   3\. Invest in sustainable NPD that meets consumer demand [![Blog CTA Banner - Traceability Report](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4895550/interactive-187160044171.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKL7fWh6hcp%2FZ7czbZxkJJyovP%2FFxn1kPA%2BC0mXhDqnWeXGKignMyHSm3q7bPvO%2Bb5hLuVQNJH9LS5RzR8TzftaATNjRL58e0akvlR9y7a9DSjbpwjOZWEEsOyQ%2FBIhILWMuxDgGOgOVCQtkvJaP3ADTzM28UYDdr%2Bi6m6XJwkeUFF1C7Sgmu5V1y4UCf%2Bl81g0f8SuVnGH9qY%2FxzdcwuIVFiv3Oy4%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187160044171&portalId=4895550) ### Sustainable food production & ethics  Both consumers, employees and investors care about the ethics of the businesses they support, work for and invest in. So, more companies are starting to recognise that good ethics and sustainability go hand in hand. Businesses seizing the opportunities here and acting now will stay ahead of the competition, while also maintaining that all important market share.   By implementing sustainable food supply chain management, businesses can heighten consumer and [employee engagement](https://nbs.net/employee-commitment-can-turn-ethics-into-dollars/) while knowing that their business isn’t negatively impacting the planet. This sustainable farm-to-fork approach gives an ethical business boost, enhancing brand reputation, introducing new revenue streams and ensuring [business continuity](https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/sustainable-consumer.html).   ## How can food procurement be more sustainable?  With so many factors playing into what constitutes a sustainable food supply chain, there’s a great deal of data that needs to be processed by businesses reaching for greater sustainability in their food procurement.   ### Take these three steps to make sure your food procurement processes are more sustainable:  1\. Gauge consumer demand through accurate forecasting to reduce food  2\. Gauge consumer demand through accurate forecasting to reduce food waste  3\. Apply sustainability and environmental impact audits to encourage supplier adoption  Keeping sustainability front and centre in procurement decisions has a knock-on effect. Using digital supply chain technologies, businesses can streamline their livestock procurement process, managing yields and forecast future stock demand to reduce waste. Businesses remaining aligned with in-house policies and procedures should also ensure that working relationships are mutually profitable and beneficial.  ## Sustainable food production methods  So far, we’ve provided a broad outline of what sustainable food production is - but now it’s time to delve into this in greater detail. Here are some of the primary points to consider.   1\. Protecting natural resources 2\. Sustainable farming, harvesting & procurement 3\. Packing production & consumption 4\. Waste management 5\. Monitoring factory & supplier energy consumption ## Protecting natural resources   In the context of agri-food sustainability, this is using appropriate fertilisers with integrated pest management to improve yields, protect soil, encourage biodiversity and prevent water pollution.    Natural systems are often intertwined, so each intervention can have many benefits. Eg.   | Intervention  | Benefit  | | --- | --- | | Soil erosion prevention  | Soil fertility  Cleaner freshwater systems  Less water needed for crop irrigation  Greater energy efficiency  | ## Sustainable farming, harvesting and procurement  Livestock farming and crop harvesting are both key to sustainable food production – and are areas where industry can make a significant difference. This can range from choosing crop varieties for better yields to implementing sustainable fishing practices. Governments are increasingly turning to [legislation](https://ourecofriendlylife.com/what-is-sustainable-harvesting/) to promote sustainability in this area, but effective regulations and enforcement are not present everywhere.  ##  Packaging production and consumption  The entire packaging supply chain contributes to the net sustainability of a final product. From raw materials to manufacturing, use and disposal, data must be gathered and analysed. It can be a balancing act. Certain packaging can appeal to consumers, contributing to sales, but resources still need to be used wisely to keep waste and pollution under control. That means considering packaging specifications and metrics such as recyclability. Once items are bought and consumed, sustainable packaging can be recycled so it has even more of a positive impact.  ## Waste management  Waste management and the need to make it more sustainable remains a recurring theme in the agri-food supply chain.  Consider these problems and their solutions and see if you can apply them to your sustainability practices.   | Problem  | Sustainable solution  | | --- | --- | | Poor wastewater management introduces the risk of water pollution  | Practise water recycling   | | Food waste disposed of in landfill produces greenhouse gases  | Composting and other sustainable processing solutions  | ##  Monitoring factory & supplier energy consumption  The agri-food supply chain – from raising crops and transporting livestock to delivering end products to supermarket shelves – obviously requires energy. So, energy conservation, and conserving what you can as a business from non-renewable and renewable resources matters, is a key priority.    The solution lies in scalable, data-driven energy consumption policies across the supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers and service providers.   By addressing all these issues, we can work towards creating a more equitable and responsible system that benefits both people and the planet.  ## Effective CSR with Foods Connected  Sustainability is a crucial element in any food-related business’ CSR profile. While you can control what happens in your own business, you need the ability to evaluate your supply chain and its sustainability. Ultimately, you will be seen as co-responsible for your supply chain’s positive or negative impacts - not just your in-house practices.   With so many factors to consider when trying to make sustainable choices, Foods Connected simplifies what can seem like a near-impossible task: leveraging massive amounts of data spanning multiple indicators to further your CSR objectives.   **[Request a demo](https://www.foodsconnected.com/request-a-demo/)of the Foods Connected platform today, or contact our team to talk about your [CSR and sustainability](https://www.foodsconnected.com/solutions/csr-management-software/) goals. *If you'd like to learn more about how effective food security can help build sustainable, more resilient food systems, watch our webinar on the subject below.*** [![On-demandWebinar Promotional Artwork June23\_3-1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4895550/interactive-188954164792.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIOiQyUk%2Fbklul0SX1O3MuCRuXTC5iSIxxnTB%2F4%2BAqb%2F6K62vKFTz79uX2E7SjlZU7S6%2FrOH%2FPb%2BiYz%2BVCjgs%2BnVLkdL7gmmXwuVtHGFxjlaSeqDakOXwmTr14N7YdGkz8VZIx0qJ81cC%2Bck24qUK9EqnphyAd8brpe56f3RXsB795xbd4a%2F4ZQPMpSbBO81Ty1%2BBAYJdjBItu0IWYDZ6OJ29H04So%3D&webInteractiveContentId=188954164792&portalId=4895550) ![Greer McNally](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Headshots/Greer%20(NEW%20Headshot).jpg) ###### Greer McNally Greer has over 15 years’ experience writing about trends in the food and retail sectors. She lives in a little village by the sea in Northern Ireland and loves creating content that informs how people think about the food industry. A recent career highlight was interviewing the legend that is Dr Temple Grandin. [![Free AI report download](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Free%20AI%20report%20download.png "Free AI report download")](https://marketing.foodsconnected.com/ai-agri-food-attitudes-adoption-ambitions-foods-connected) ##### Stay up to date ### Stay up to date ##### Browse Posts Popular Recent Archive [![NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1927957907%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [NPD in the food industry: 7 critical stages of new product development](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/7-stages-of-food-product-development) [![The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2474442759.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [The importance of good manufacturing practice for food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/gmp-in-food-industry) [![Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_1845178195%20(2).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [Understanding the role of risk management in food safety](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-role-of-risk-management-in-food-safety) [![A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2133827717%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [A guide to effective quality control in food manufacturing](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/quality-control-in-food-manufacturing) [![The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Blog%20Imagery%20(PI%20AUTOMATED)/Blog%20Headers/shutterstock_2247276303.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [The Best Food Allergy Apps and How They Work](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-best-food-allergy-apps-and-how-they-work) [![Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics-blog-hero.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [Five consumer food apps reshaping retail reporting and analytics](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/five-consumer-food-apps-reshaping-retail-reporting-and-analytics) [![The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Why%20Protein%20Procurement%20Needs%20Real-Time%20Data%20Visibility%20blog%20hero%20image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [The Real Cost of Poor Data Visibility in Protein Procurement](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/the-real-cost-of-poor-data-visibility-in-protein-procurement) [![AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/brcgs%20audit%20overlap%20shutterstock_2742316531.jpg)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [AI in food supply chains: why visibility is where it's paying off](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/blog/ai-in-food-supply-chains) [![Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide-hero-image.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [Building Food Supply Chain Resilience: A Guide for Procurement Teams](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/supply-chain-resilience-food-procurement-guide) [![Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/FOODS%20CONNECTED%20AQUISTION%20-%20DESIGN%20ASSETS%20-%20AUGUST%202026.png)](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) [Foods Connected Acquires HarvestMark Quality Insights Platform](https://blog.foodsconnected.com/resources/foods-connected-acquires-harvestmark) - 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All rights reserved. - - - - ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Sustainability", "author" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Foods Connected" }, "dateModified" : "2023-11-19", "datePublished" : "2023-11-19", "description" : "A practical guide to increasing sustainability in food production, covering waste reduction, efficient sourcing, emissions reduction, digital tools and improved resource management.", "headline" : "How to increase sustainability in food production", "image" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/sustainability-food-production-header.jpg", "keywords" : [ "sustainable food production", "food industry sustainability", "sustainability strategies", "reducing food waste", "sustainable sourcing", "resource efficiency food industry", "environmental performance food sector" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/how-to-increase-sustainability-in-food-production", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.foodsconnected.com/hubfs/Foods%20Connected%20Logo.png" }, "name" : "Foods Connected" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Sustainability is essential to reducing emissions, protecting resources, improving resilience and meeting retailer, regulatory and consumer expectations across the food supply chain." }, "name" : "Why is sustainability important in food production?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Producers can reduce waste through improved forecasting, better inventory management, reuse of by-products, digital monitoring, and process optimisation to minimise inefficiencies." }, "name" : "How can food producers reduce waste?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Sustainability improves through responsible sourcing, supplier transparency, reduced food miles, ethical procurement practices and improved traceability across the supply chain." }, "name" : "How can sustainability be increased through sourcing?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Digital tools improve data visibility, monitor resource use, automate reporting, track emissions, streamline checks and support more efficient, greener decision-making." }, "name" : "How do digital tools support sustainability?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Effective approaches include energy efficiency measures, low-carbon transport, renewable energy use, sustainable ingredient sourcing and optimised production processes." }, "name" : "What are effective ways to reduce emissions in food production?" } ] } ```