Sustainability has often been framed as a cost of doing the right thing. But in today’s food industry, it’s increasingly clear: integrating sustainable practices is a driver of food business growth, not a barrier to it.
For food producers, the return on sustainability is real—measurable, commercial, and competitive. Whether you're looking to boost margins, reduce risk, or future-proof your operations, the case for embedding sustainability is stronger than ever.
Cutting Emissions Improves Operational Efficiency
Many food producers are discovering that efforts to reduce carbon emissions go hand-in-hand with greater efficiency. Energy use, packaging, transport, and food waste are all major contributors to emissions, and also areas where inefficiencies add unnecessary cost.
According to a 2023 Deloitte study, 74% of agrifood businesses reported lower operating costs after implementing sustainability initiatives. Measures like switching to energy-efficient machinery, optimizing transport routes, or reducing overproduction can lower emissions while directly improving your bottom line.
And when it comes to food waste, the business case is even clearer. A study by WRAP and Champions 12.3 found that for every £1 businesses invested in reducing food waste, they saved £14.
Sustainability Opens New Market Opportunities
Retailers, foodservice clients, and consumers are all placing greater demands on the environmental performance of their suppliers. That means food producers who can prove their commitment to sustainability are better positioned to win business.
In fact, 44% of consumers globally say they’re more likely to trust and stay loyal to companies with strong sustainability credentials.
For producers, having transparent, measurable carbon data isn’t just about compliance—it’s a competitive edge. It allows you to meet buyer expectations, stand out in tenders, and strengthen your reputation in an increasingly conscious market.
Lower Emissions, Lower Risk
The food industry is facing mounting pressure from regulators, investors, and stakeholders to address its climate impact. With food production responsible for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the spotlight is firmly on the supply chain.
Producers that invest in understanding and reducing their footprint are better positioned to mitigate future risks, including:
• Carbon pricing and environmental taxes
• Procurement restrictions from public or ESG-driven buyers
• Investor scrutiny and mandatory sustainability disclosures
Food businesses that act early avoid playing catch-up, and instead gain control over their climate data and long-term strategy.
Sustainable Practices Drive Innovation and Long-Term Growth
Sustainability is not just about reducing harm, it’s about driving improvement. Forward-thinking food producers are using sustainability as a framework for innovation, unlocking long-term benefits like:
• Reduced input costs through regenerative agriculture
• New revenue streams from carbon credits and verified low-emission products
• Access to public and private funding opportunities tied to emissions reductions
Studies show that diversified, environmentally responsible farming models tend to outperform conventional ones over time, both in terms of ecological resilience and profitability. And as retailers and regulators increasingly reward producers with proven sustainability credentials, early adopters are building a clear advantage.
What it Takes to Grow a Sustainable Food Business
Here’s where food producers can start:
1. Measure your emissions
Begin by identifying emissions hotspots across your value chain, from ingredients and production to logistics and waste.
2. Act on the data
Use insights to reduce waste, switch to low-impact suppliers, optimize packaging, and improve transport efficiency.
3. Communicate with confidence
Use clear, trustworthy carbon data to inform your commercial strategy, strengthen buyer relationships, and support climate reporting.
4. Integrate sustainability into product development
Align product innovation with emission reduction, from sourcing to end-of-life impact.
Ready to Make Sustainability a Growth Strategy?
Sustainability is no longer just a responsibility, it’s a business lever. In a competitive, cost-conscious, and regulation-heavy market, food producers that invest in sustainability are setting themselves up for smarter, faster growth.
At Klimato, we help food businesses measure, reduce, and report on their climate impact—transparently and efficiently. Because when sustainability is built into your operations, growth isn’t just possible. It’s inevitable.
Curious to see how it works? Book a demo and explore how carbon tracking can support your food business growth.
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