Sustainability is good business

As the effects of climate change intensify, the pressure on the food sector will increase over the coming decades, which is encapsulated by the FDF’s environmental ambition in creating a more sustainable food system. 

Supply chain issues, labour shortages, threats to energy security and rising inflation have added a new set of challenges for the food and drink industry over the last 12 months, however despite these obstacles, FDF members remain focused on their ambition to reach Net Zero by 2040 – a decade earlier than government targets.

The oft-quoted Forbes survey found that 82% of consumers want brands to practice sustainability and while some cracks have crept into the sustainability narrative as the cost of living crisis bites, the global pandemic and recent environmental disasters have maintained demand for sustainable practices and products.

Sustainability is good for business; it builds brand value, meets consumer expectations, attracts talent and creates new opportunities, but only if you communicate your efforts credibly, and avoid being perceived as greenwashing.

According to NielsenIQ survey data, 46% of consumers still expect brands to take the lead on bringing about sustainable change, which means that brands can no longer greenwash themselves. 

Packaging and last-mile delivery are primary sources of emissions with 53% of US and UK consumers wanting brands to produce less packaging and an average of 25% willing to pay a surcharge for eco-friendly delivery.

Manufacturers, producers, brands and retailers are already rethinking their practices, to find sustainable solutions, including the adoption of eco-friendly packaging, more climate-friendly shipping options, optimised waste management and completely eliminating packaging waste.

Despite today’s economic uncertainty, consumers are still open to sustainable products if they are affordable and offer value, which is why effective implementation and communication of these initiatives is critical.

Metro can help shippers switch to sustainable packaging for their products, by sourcing sustainable and ecological packaging materials, while our freight centres use renewable materials, which reduce packaging waste to a minimum.

Through our MVT ECO initiative, Metro is measuring and monitoring the emissions of every shipment, by every mode, for all of our customers, with offsetting alternatives, so they can work towards carbon neutrality in their global supply chain. 

CO2 emissions caused by transport are calculated according to EN 16258 to provide data and reporting that complies with the most demanding frameworks and methodologies. 

Using our latest generation MVT Eco module, we develop intelligent supply chain solutions. With accurate and representative data, that are respectful of the environment, we create low-carbon multi-modal solutions that blend air, road, sea, inland waterways and rail, together with NGV and electric vehicles.

The MVT ECO module is available free-of-charge to customers on their MVT dashboard. To request a demo or discuss your requirements, please EMAIL Simon George.