Embedding sustainability into your food and drink manufacturing strategy
According to the latest report by WRAP, the climate action NGO working globally to tackle the causes of the climate crisis, an estimated 10.7 million tonnes of food was wasted across the UK in 2021. Of that, 1.4 million tonnes (13%) arose from manufacturing processes, with a hefty associated price tag of 3.9 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.[i]
With the environment, food poverty and global warming hitting the headlines daily, the UK is bracing itself for imminent legislation to address food waste. In the EU, businesses are already reporting food waste, with further regulations anticipated to enforce a 10% reduction in manufacturing and processing food waste by 2030. The UK can expect similar reporting requirements to force implicated companies to play catch-up very fast.
The increasing consumer and regulatory pressure on tackling food waste is very much part of the ESG (environment, social and governance) agenda that every food and drink manufacturing company should be considering. Embedding sustainability objectives within the wider business strategy ensures your company is fit for the future, drives operational efficiency and increases profitability.
This is where Moore Kingston Smith can help. Moore Kingston Smith’s experienced ESG team can help your food and drink manufacturing company incorporate ESG reporting into your business strategy and comply with the forthcoming regulations. Act now, so as not to get left behind once the new reporting regulations arrive in the UK.
By Charlie Killingbeck, Associate Director and ESG lead at Moore Kingston Smith, in collaboration with The Wonki Collective.
[i] UK Food Waste & Food Surplus – Key Facts Updated November 2023 WRAP.
Interview: The Wonki Collective
I caught up with Alina and Dini from The Wonki Collective, the UK’s leading redistributor of ingredients within the supply chain. They are helping food and drink manufacturers reduce waste and create a new revenue stream for waste products.
Moore Kingston Smith: How does The Wonki Collective work to eliminate food waste?
The Wonki Collective: We simplify the process for food manufacturers. Our comprehensive approach enables manufacturers to buy and sell surplus ingredients effortlessly, thereby reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.
Using ERP data, we proactively track and manage ingredients before they reach their expiration. This gives manufacturers a dashboard of at-risk ingredients. We connect sellers with the best potential buyers based on various factors like location, volume processed and required accreditations.
Moore Kingston Smith: Why did you home in on manufacturing as a specific element of the wider value chain?
The Wonki Collective: Research indicates that food waste at the manufacturing level is significantly higher than at the retail stage. In fact, a staggering seven times more waste occurs during manufacturing. Additionally, food waste increases manufacturing costs by up to 10%, posing a considerable financial burden on businesses operating on narrow profit margins.
Moore Kingston Smith: How is this benefiting your customers?
The Wonki Collective: It allows manufacturers to recoup part of the original ingredient cost and save on waste management fees, while reducing their carbon footprint. It also gives buyers access to cheaper high-quality ingredients, small minimum-order quantities and shorter wait times as the products are already in the UK.
Moore Kingston Smith: What does this all mean from a sustainability and environmental perspective?
The Wonki Collective: By preventing surplus ingredients from ending up in landfills and substituting the need for new ingredient production, we mitigate greenhouse emissions – in the UK alone, we’re talking a potential 5.4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions saved annually.