FDF’s Ambition 2030 to tackle food waste and packaging

Ambition 2030 is the next stage of its sustainability strategy for the food and drink manufacturing industry. It’s based on five pillars:

1. Net zero – FDF has said that the food we consume contributes to around a quarter of the UK’s total CO2 emissions, and food and drink manufacturers will support the agrifood supply chain’s target to reduce its emissions by 50%, in line with the industry’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2040.
2. Nature restoration –By investing in nature restoration projects including regenerative agriculture, manufacturers will contribute to the UK’s Nature Positive ambition to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.
3. Sustainable commodities – Agricultural commodities are vital for food production, from cattle feed to ingredients in manufacturing, however it is critical that these only come from sustainable sources. By halting commodity-driven deforestation and conversion by 2030, the sector will prevent further biodiversity loss due to commodity production.
4. Food waste – Around a third of all food produced is said to be wasted, accounting for up to 10% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. Manufacturers will aim to build on the substantial progress they have already made by halving food waste from the manufacturing process by 2030. However, with studies showing that households account for 70% of the UK’s edible food waste, the sector will also work with partners across industry and with government to reduce household food waste.
5. Packaging – By working in partnership with government, the sector aims to contribute to the creation of a “world-class” packaging recycling system in the UK.

As well as the five overarching ambitions, the strategy gives practical guidance on measurement, target-setting and reporting to help food and drink manufacturers take action.

Karen Betts, chief executive, The Food and Drink Federation, said: “Climate change is demanding rapid change on the part of food systems – whether this is adapting to unpredictable weather patterns or changing what we’re doing and how we’re doing it to produce food and drink. The businesses in our sector are active – directly and through their supply chains – in driving down emissions, working to restore nature, reducing food waste and ensuring all packaging is reduced, reused or recycled.”

Circular Economy minister, Mary Creagh, said: “Packaging waste, emissions and sustainability are complex problems for industry – which is why it’s crucial for us to work together to tackle these issues through Ambition 2030, building on the progress already made by food and drink manufacturers.

“This government is committed to moving to a circular economy in which we keep our resources in use for longer, accelerate the path to net zero and increase investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs in every region of the country.”

Andre Burger, general manager, foods, Unilever UK & Ireland and chair of the Food and Drink Federation’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, commented: “I very much welcome the Food & Drink Federation’s (FDF) flagship Ambition 2030 strategy, which highlights the important work going on in the food and drink sector on net zero, nature restoration, sustainable commodities, food waste and packaging, and sets out how every business can contribute. It will be critical for the FDF and its members to collaborate with government and across the supply chain to mobilise action and ensure the industry can deliver on its ambitions.”