If you're a food producer today, you're likely already making efforts to reduce your environmental impact. But are you proving it?
More and more, retailers, regulators, and buyers want to see data—real, verified numbers that back up your sustainability claims. And with increasing pressure to reduce food production CO2 emissions, doing the bare minimum just won’t cut it.
Here’s how food producers can link food production and sustainability in a way that’s credible, measurable, and future-proof.
Why Data-Backed Sustainability Matters
Food production is responsible for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. That includes everything from land use and farming practices to packaging and distribution. At the same time, governments and retailers are tightening the rules. In the EU, for instance, new regulations will ban vague environmental claims unless they’re backed by evidence.
That means sustainability has to move beyond intention. You need to show, and prove, your work with verified data and transparent reporting.
What Counts as Verified Data?
Let’s be clear: measuring sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about understanding the full picture of your impact so you can make informed decisions and stay competitive. Here's what reliable sustainability data should include:
• Farm-to-fork emissions tracking: Break down emissions by ingredient, supplier, and lifecycle stage. A landmark study by Poore & Nemecek found that animal-based foods typically produce double the emissions of plant-based ones.
• Use of recognized methodologies: Whether you're measuring Scope 3 emissions or calculating the footprint of a single product, use science-based protocols like the GHG Protocol and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs).
• Benchmarked results: Compare your footprint to industry standards or targets in line with the Paris Agreement. For example, Klimato labels meals that emit less than 0.9 kg CO2e as “Low Climate Impact”—a target in line with reaching net zero by 2050.
Is Sustainable Food Production More Expensive?
Not necessarily. In fact, the opposite is often true.
Research from Oxford University shows that in high-income countries, adopting sustainable diets—those with fewer animal products and more plants—can reduce food costs by up to 33%. A study in Portugal found that plant-based meals cost less both at home and when eating out.
In other words: making sustainable changes to your production doesn’t just lower emissions—it can also cut costs.
What Food Producers can Gain from Data-Backed Sustainability
Aside from meeting regulations, there are clear business benefits to showing your impact with real numbers:
• Lower costs by reducing waste and using leaner processes.
• Win contracts and shelf space with verified climate data.
• Build trust with buyers and avoid greenwashing claims.
• Make better decisions with clear emissions insights.
Five Steps to Prove Your Sustainability and Boost Growth
Want to show real progress? Start with these:
1. Map your impact: Measure emissions from raw materials, transport, packaging, and waste.
2. Use credible tools: Choose a carbon calculator designed for food producers, like Klimato, that follows international standards.
3. Set goals: Aim for reductions in line with the Paris Agreement and track progress over time.
4. Get verified: Work with external experts or certifiers to validate your data.
5. Communicate clearly: Share your footprint and actions in a way that’s easy to understand—both for buyers and the public.
Ready to Prove It? Start with the Facts
Proving your sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about transparency.
By connecting your food production and sustainability efforts with verified data, you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re staying ahead of them. Whether you're trying to reduce food production CO2 emissions, grow your business responsibly, or figure out how to produce food more sustainably, one thing is clear: data is your most powerful tool.
Ready to back up your sustainability claims with real numbers? Let’s talk.
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