The food industry is transforming, and fast. From retail giants to restaurant chains, food businesses are under pressure to reduce emissions, meet reporting requirements, and deliver on sustainability promises. That means they’re rethinking who they work with—and how they measure impact.
If you’re a supplier in today’s market, being price-competitive isn’t enough. You need to prove that you’re part of the climate solution.
This is where food production and sustainability intersect, and why forward-thinking producers are using it as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance exercise.
Why Sustainability Is Now a Sales Tool
Buyers care about emissions. Not just because it’s the right thing to do—but because they have to. Sustainability is now baked into business decisions, procurement checklists, and even tender scoring systems.
• According to IBM, 73% of global consumers say they’re willing to change consumption habits to reduce environmental impact.
• Scope 3 regulations—such as the CSRD—are forcing food businesses to dig deeper into their supply chains, including ingredients, packaging, and processing.
In other words, if you’re not helping your customers meet their sustainability goals, someone else will.
Not sure where to start? Check out how sustainability practices can drive profitability in food businesses to see how climate-conscious suppliers are winning more contracts and growing their margins in the process.
Food Production CO₂ Emissions: A Business Risk and a Business Opportunity
Food production is responsible for more than a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Whether it’s land use, energy, packaging, or distribution, every part of your production process leaves a carbon footprint. And chances are, your customers are already calculating it.
Producers that can track and reduce their food production CO₂ emissions don’t just stand out—they become essential.
Need proof? Here’s how producers are using carbon footprint data to grow revenue, including getting listed by bigger brands, meeting supplier requirements, and unlocking new product lines.
Why Is Sustainable Food Less Expensive to Produce?
It might sound counterintuitive, but sustainability often reduces costs. Here’s how:
• Less waste: From better resource planning to smarter portion sizes, sustainable production often means leaner production.
• Efficient energy use: Swapping fossil fuels for renewables or upgrading inefficient machinery can lead to long-term savings.
• Plant-based ingredients: These typically have lower emissions and lower production costs than meat or dairy. That’s why many producers are pivoting toward plant-based proteins and getting ahead of shifting demand.
In fact, the true ROI of sustainability in food businesses often lies in operational gains, like faster time to market, fewer waste costs, and increased customer loyalty.
What Buyers Expect from Sustainability-Focused Suppliers
It’s not enough to say you’re sustainable. Buyers want proof—and support.
Here’s what food businesses are looking for from their suppliers:
• Carbon footprint data per product or SKU
• CSRD- and ESG-ready reporting formats
• Low-emission alternatives (ingredients, packaging, logistics)
• Clear, confident communication they can pass on to their end customers
If you’re not helping your clients meet their sustainability targets, it’s time to start.
How to Produce Food More Sustainably Without Losing Efficiency
Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Here’s where to start:
• Use an emissions calculator to track CO₂ per product or process (hint: we can help with that).
• Review where emissions and costs overlap—energy, packaging, logistics.
• Develop lower-emission versions of your top products.
• Add climate labels or proof points buyers can use in sales or RFPs.
The key is progress, not perfection. Small, smart steps today will put you ahead tomorrow. The market is shifting, and the winners will be the ones who adapt.
From winning new tenders to building stronger client relationships, sustainability gives food producers an edge. And the producers who embrace it early will be the ones shaping the supply chains of tomorrow.
At Klimato, we make it easy to track your emissions, meet buyer expectations, and show your sustainability value without adding admin.
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