Food and Drink Federation launches ambition to reach Net Zero by 2040
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the voice of the food and drink industry, has today announced its ambition on behalf of the sector to reach Net Zero by 2040.
In 2019, the UK was the first major economy to pass net zero emissions into law. In light of the new targets, in 2020 the FDF will lead on refreshing the sectors roadmap to 2050 as well as strengthening our commitments under Ambition 2025 and as a signatory to Courtauld 2025.
Progress to date has been driven by fuel switching, industry rationalisation, and investment in energy efficient equipment and low carbon technology. However, progress on alternatives to natural gas for heating is limited; further reductions will be more challenging and require greater focus on new technology and zero carbon energy sources.
The FDF will input policy proposals into Government's roadmap for decarbonisation of heat expected in summer 2020, as well as the forthcoming Energy White Paper. A key element will be a successive third phase of the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme to run from April 2023; we are working closely with industry and Government as discussion of a future scheme commence.
In Scotland, the Climate Change Bill commits Scotland to becoming a net-zero society by 2045. The bill includes a target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030.
Updates & milestones
The road to Net Zero for Food and Drink
On 27 April, in a webinar with key note speech from UK Government’s Net Zero Business Champion, Andrew Griffith MP, the FDF announced its ambition on behalf of the sector to reach Net Zero by 2040.
To provide further support to food and drink businesses, the FDF will also produce a Roadmap to Net Zero Project and accompanying ‘handbook for businesses. The Roadmap and Handbook will be launched at COP26 in November.
Throughout the year, the FDF will also deliver a wider programme of events in order to engage with FDF members and the wider sector on the journey to Net Zero.
Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy published
On March 17 Government published the long-awaited IDS and the FDF was pleased to also see its focus on dispersed manufacturing sites outside the major industrial clusters of the UK. As outlined in both our 2020 Heat Decarbonisation Report and the CCC’s 6th Carbon Budget, the electrification of technologies will enable the bulk of carbon savings to net zero and hydrogen will have a role but largely only for high temperature heat requirements, and where it’s available on the local gas grid. The strategy includes a commitment to examining the barriers and associated policies required to meet targets. At FDF we are also continuing the call for a food and drink sector targeted fund given the need for trials to provide seamless implementation of decarbonisation technologies on the manufacturing process.
Overall, long term policy support is required to aid investment decisions as well as direct funding for demonstration projects. We welcome the commitment to look at a future CCA scheme for post March 2025, which has been a key driver for energy efficiency and carbon reductions in the food and drink sector. Alongside the Strategy, Government has also launched a call for evidence on free allocation in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (the successor scheme to the EU ETS), which will inform a full review of that aspect of the scheme.
Enter to win the FDF Environmental Leadership Award
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With increased pressure to engage in sustainable manufacturing processes that minimise the impact on our environment, companies are looking to the future and implementing creative and resourceful systems.
Our Environmental Leadership category is for companies that can meet either of the criteria below:
- Embedding sustainability throughout a product from development right through to customer use and disposal
- Ground-breaking initiatives to reduce your company's impact on the planet
Read the 2020 winner’s case study
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Ambition 2025 progress report and mid-term review published
On 24 February, the FDF launched our Ambition 2025 Mid-term Review and Ambition 2025 Progress Report 2020 which was supported by a series of member case studies.
As highlighted in this year’s progress report, there has been exceptional progress in some areas, including:
- 55% reduction in CO2 emissions, five years before the target was due to be reached.
- 41.5% reduction in absolute water consumption in 2019 and support for the Courtauld 2025 Water Ambition.
- Contributed to the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap.
- Continued to build relationships with key stakeholders and with UK governments including through engagement on various the Plastics tax; undertook advocacy on PRN cost crisis; supported the UK Plastics Pact; and launched new guidelines on using recycled content in plastic packaging applications.
- Promoted the fewer and friendlier miles agenda through FDF’s 10 Point Checklist.
- Updated and promoted the Sustainability Resource Hub.
- Promoted the FDF Natural Capital Awareness Document.
The FDF also published a press release, with supporting quote from Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow MP. The launch has been extensively covered across the trade media.
FDF Environmental Leadership Award
Does your company have a leading environmental initiative?
The FDF Environmental Leadership award category is for companies that can meet either of the criteria below:
- Embedding sustainability throughout a product from development right through to customer use and disposal
- Ground-breaking initiatives to reduce your company's impact on the planet
Enter before the closing date of 28 February 2021, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!
News
The Food and Drink Federation publishes Ambition 2025 Progress and Mid-Term Review reports
Food and drink companies beat CO2 reduction targets five years early, leading to new sustainability commitments in far reaching report.
The FDF responds to the Prime Minister's Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution
FDF welcomes the Prime Minister's ambitious plan to take effective action to achieve Net Zero and deliver a green economic recovery.
Ambition needed from government and industry to achieve net zero in food and drink
The FDF and SLR have today published a report which sets out how the food and drink industry can achieve the ambitious target of a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050 and the support it will require from government.
Environmental sustainability case studies
Ferrero case study: Sustainable Supply Chains
Ferrero is leading the way to overcome the misconceptions around palm oil and improving the standards across the industry.
Little Freddie case study: Packaging
Little Freddie has established a simple and convenient pouch recycling return scheme for its consumers.
Princes Limited case study: Packaging
The primary function of the packaging Princes use is to ensure the safety and quality of their products for consumers; however the environmental impact is equally important.
Weetabix case study: Packaging
Minimising the impact of packaging on the environment has been a long-standing focus for Weetabix, with an emphasis on plastics.
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Decarbonisation of heat across the food and drink manufacturing sector
Report: Decarbonisation of heat across the food and drink manufacturing sector
10 June 2020
In June 2019, the Government legislated for a net zero target of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The FDF/SLR report sets out how the food and drink sector can achieve this, outlining that without further interventions, the sector can only reduce emissions from heat by 64% by 2050 when compared to 2012. The report looks at what the sector, its partners and government, can do to overcome the barriers and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Read moreAmbition needed from government and industry to achieve net zero in food and drink
Related topics
Environmental sustainability
The FDF is committed to creating a thriving and sustainable UK food and drink industry that acts responsibly for the benefit of society and the environment.
Ambition 2025
Ambition 2025 sets out the FDF's vision for a thriving, responsible and sustainable UK food and drink industry.
Climate change agreements
Climate Change Agreements agreed with the Environment Agency provide CCL tax discounts in return for reducing energy use and CO2 emissions.