Defra has this week offered proposals on ways in which the food and drink industry can improve its environmental performance. Issues covered by the draft Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS) include priorities such as energy, waste management, water use and transport, along with consumer-focused areas like health and nutrition.

It is hoped that the FISS will lead to closer participation from the industry with environmental programmes such as the Carbon Trust and WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Plan).

"Sustainability is about a better quality of life for everyone, and the food and drink industry has a major role to play in this given its huge economic, environmental and social importance. Improved resource efficiency is a win-win as it saves the environment and improves businesses' bottom line," commented Food and Farming Minister Larry Whitty.

"Government and industry are working together to tackle a range of issues including pollution, waste, food transport and energy use. However, there is still a long way to go and more work is required to ensure that we can build on good practice and roll out sustainable ways of working throughout the food chain."

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