Food Production and Sustainability: How Food Producers Can Cut Emissions and Grow Margins

Why Sustainability Matters in Food Production

Buyers across foodservice, retail, and hospitality sectors are actively prioritizing products with clear sustainability credentials. According to the FAO, food production contributes significantly—up to 34%—to global greenhouse gas emissions. As public awareness grows, regulatory frameworks tighten, and buyer demands escalate, food producers who proactively manage and communicate their climate impacts gain a distinct competitive edge.

Key Sustainability Expectations from Today’s Buyers

1. Verified Climate Data

Buyers today aren’t satisfied with vague sustainability claims. They require scientifically robust, independently verifiable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data. Without credible, verifiable emissions data, producers risk losing tenders and market opportunities. Transparent LCA data is no longer optional—it’s an essential market differentiator.

2. Alignment with Regulatory Standards

Increasing regulations, such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), mean food producers need rigorous climate-impact reporting. Compliance is becoming the minimum requirement, not just for corporate responsibility but for market entry itself.

3. Simplified Sustainability Communication

Complex climate data needs clear communication. Food producers must present sustainability claims in an accessible, buyer-friendly format that clearly demonstrates environmental benefits and commercial value.

Sustainability Misconceptions and the Truth Behind Costs

A common misconception is that sustainable food is inherently more expensive to produce. However, sustainable practices frequently reduce production costs through increased efficiency, reduced waste, and optimized resource use. In fact, well-executed sustainability strategies often lead directly to enhanced profitability and food business growth.

How to Produce Food More Sustainably: Practical Steps

Producing sustainable food doesn’t need to be complex. Producers can adopt straightforward, impactful strategies such as:

• Optimizing ingredient sourcing to reduce food production CO2 emissions.
• Transitioning to renewable energy and resource-efficient production methods.
• Leveraging technology and digital tools to automate data collection and sustainability reporting.

These practical steps not only streamline sustainability efforts but also provide buyers the credible data they demand.

The Real Objections: Why Producers Hesitate

While sustainability may seem broadly appealing, many producers hesitate due to common objections:

• Resource Allocation: Limited internal resources (time, expertise, money).
• Complexity Concerns: The perceived complexity of generating credible climate data.
• Ambiguity in Buyer Expectations: Unclear or shifting sustainability standards.

Simplifying Sustainability with Klimato

At Klimato, we understand these pain points. Our application addresses these exact concerns:

• Ease-of-use: Onboard within two weeks, with ready-made templates and pre-mapped ingredient databases—no internal expertise required.
• Credible Science: We adhere strictly to globally accepted standards from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), ensuring your sustainability data withstands scrutiny.
• Commercial Utility: Klimato doesn’t just support compliance. It actively turns climate data into a powerful commercial asset for winning tenders, driving marketing, and enhancing brand positioning.

Forward-thinking brands such as Quorn, Redefine Meat, Moving Mountains, and Flora Food Group have already chosen Klimato. These producers leverage clear climate-impact data not just for compliance, but to actively win business and enhance their brand reputation in competitive markets.

Turning Sustainability into Your Competitive Advantage

Today’s buyers aren't just seeking sustainability, they expect it. Producers who proactively adopt transparent, credible climate reporting solutions position themselves for significant growth and increased market share. With the right tools, sustainability is more than achievable—it’s a potent driver of business success.