2010 will be a landmark year for food and drink sector management of green issues, predicts Campden BRI

The coming 12 months will be pivotal in setting the stage for food and drink industry environmental sustainability through the next decade and beyond, according to Campden BRI.

A significant shift in the measurement and management of environmental impact is predicted by the research organisation. It suggests that as the sector continues to navigate this complex field, more sophisticated ‘combined measures’ will increasingly be implemented to assess environmental consequences of different processes. Established methods such as carbon footprinting and energy monitoring will begin to operate in partnership with emerging systems like water footprinting to provide a fuller, more accurate view.

The outcome of this progressively holistic approach will be an enhanced understanding of the total lifecycle environmental impact of food production and processing. It will become easier to pinpoint which stages of the cycle – from farm to factory to retailer to consumer – should be the primary focus for investigation and investment into more sustainable practices.

In addition, the organisation believes that during 2010 specific areas – such as packaging and waste – will come under greater scrutiny. The result will be more rational solutions based on an in-depth understanding of real need.

“Over the past ten years, consumers, government bodies and the industry itself have come to better comprehend the environmental impact of food and drink production, explains Philip Richardson, head of food manufacturing technology at Campden BRI.“During 2010, we will see industry leaders begin to chart a clearer path to address the intricacies of this issue.

“Attitudes are shifting and as measurement improves, we will see the emergence of more mature and substantial approaches to counter or minimise negative environmental consequences. Open innovation will play a critical role as the industry begins to explore new technologies and processes rooted in a truer understanding of the challenges facing different areas of the industry.