The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has today launched its handbook to help food and drink manufacturers on their journeys to Net Zero.

The ‘Achieving Net Zero’ handbook outlines how the FDF and the food and drink sector can address these challenges, and provides practical guidance for food and drink manufacturers, particularly those at the early stages of developing their climate strategy.

“The publication of this excellent handbook for food and drink manufacturers is a significant moment in our sector’s journey to Net Zero. The handbook will be an important tool for food and drink manufacturers – and others across the supply chain – striving to achieve Net Zero by 2040,” said Ian Wright CBE, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation.

“This work demonstrates the huge value of ever stronger collaboration with all stakeholders across the farm-to-fork supply chain. Created and published in the slipstream of COP26, the ideas and actions outlined here provide an indispensable blueprint for food and drink businesses to deliver their Net Zero ambitions.”

COP26 in Glasgow comes at a pivotal time as the food and drink industry looks to address both the causes and consequences of climate change, aiming to move towards Net Zero. Several food and drink manufacturers have issued ambitious climate promises in the past few weeks, with Sainsbury’s, Mondelez, and Grupo Bimbo in the US all committing to Net Zero by 2050 – or 2035 in Sainsbury’s case.

The food industry’s commitment to reducing emissions has not gone unnoticed by those at the top either. “I applaud the FDF and their members’ commitment to reducing emissions in the food system,” said Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

“Our food industry is at the vanguard of the nation’s efforts to reach Net Zero, so that we can tackle the most pressing environmental challenges.

“I encourage all food and drink manufacturers to follow the guidelines laid out in the handbook, so that we can take yet another step to reducing emissions and creating a more sustainable food system for generations to come.”