Envirowise has initiated supply chain initiatives with food & drink companies in 2006.
David Bellamy, Manager, Food Safety and Environment for the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), explains why holistic supply chain working is so important for supporting the sector.
"FDF supports Envirowise's new Supply Chain Partnership initiative aimed at encouraging greater co-operation between retailers and suppliers to improve business efficiency. FDF will be encouraging its members to participate in this initiative.
The challenges we face
The food & drink manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK. The sector's primary objective is to provide a range of safe, wholesome and high quality products that consumers want - at a price they are prepared to pay. Manufacturers are committed to minimising the environmental impact of their activities and working towards long-term sustainability. Many are already adopting initiatives that go significantly beyond legal requirements and are fully committed to working with their suppliers in the food supply chain to maintain the highest environmental standards and to encourage widespread adoption of best practice. However all parts of the food chain - farmers, manufacturers, retailers and food service - will need to work together to make joint improvements if real long-term progress is to be achieved. At the same time, the industry operates in an intensely competitive UK/global market and, for companies to pursue a sustainability agenda, it has to make economic as well as environmental and social sense.
As a sector, we face many challenges, which resource efficiency can help to overcome. Many will be familiar to those working in other sectors, too.
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