Here are our 12 areas of action to make it happen:
1. Climate change: Support the EU’s target to be carbon neutral by 2050 with more energy efficient operations, a higher use of renewables and supply chain collaboration.
2. Resource efficiency: Improve the footprint of manufacturing to preserve the value of resources like water, raw materials and energy, whilst working to halve edible food waste by 2030.
3. Packaging: Limit the quantity of packaging, encourage re-use, innovate to find sustainable alternatives and help consumers make sustainable choices.
4. Sustainable sourcing: Ensure due diligence within supply chains and responsible business conduct to protect biodiversity and forests, as well as human and animal rights.
5. Single Market: Protect single market principles for the free movement of goods and labour to support Europe’s largest manufacturing sector, accounting for more than 4.7 million jobs.
6. Farmer collaboration: Work with all farmers to prevent unfair trading practices.
7. International trade: Drive an ambitious policy for free and fair trade that supports sustainable development in all Free Trade Agreements.
8. Research and innovation: Provide a predictable policy environment that supports investment into innovations for a more sustainable food supply chain.
9. Food safety: Maintain safe and high-quality food and drink through evidence and science-based policy that also supports sustainable food innovations.
10. Optimise nutrition: Innovate to further optimise the nutritional content of food and drink and develop new products that respond to consumer demands.
11. Balanced diet: Give consumers clear information to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with access to a wide range of nutritious and enjoyable products.
12. Healthier lifestyles: Provide education, resources and encouragement towards healthier lifestyles with regular exercise.
To read more about these 12 steps see our full paper: The path of the food and drink industry towards Sustainable Food Systems