Food and drink sector on target for 20 per cent water savings
The second annual report by the FHC – a membership organisation that represents and advises UK food and drink manufacturers – revealed that the sector has reduced its water use by two million cubic metres since 2007.
The 5.6 per cent reduction in water usage was acheived despite a 4.2 per cent increase in production by companies involved in the scheme.
Last year seven companies signed up to the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) – the government’s waste reduction body – bringing the number of signatory companies up to 42.
Benefits for companies
FHC says that its members have access to a package of benefits to help them to review and reduce their water use, such as free on-site technical implementation support, access to online water management tools, good practice guidance and opportunities to participate in peer working
“As well as demonstrating leadership in their sector, companies can also improve their bottom line. Good environmental practice has shown that a company can save around 30 per cent in its water and effluent bills by putting simple or relatively low cost measures in place,” Liz Goodwin, WRAP CEO told FoodProductionDaily.com. “Signatory companies also gain a competitive edge as they are better prepared for potential disruption to water supply in the future.”
The FHC is an initiative developed by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Envirowise. It was launched in January 2008 as part of FDF’s Five-Fold Environmental Ambition.
From April 2010 WRAP became the main body for the UK government waste programme. Taking on the commitments of organisations such as Envirowise, the FHC is now jointly delivered by WRAP and the FDF.
