UK food and drink industry reduces water consumption
James Kerr
14th July 2009
Almost 500,000 cubic metres of water – the equivalent of nearly 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools – have already been saved by the UK’s leading food and drink manufacturers, according to a report issued by the Federation House Commitment (FHC).
The FHC, an initiative jointly developed by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Envirowise that is helping companies to improve water efficiency, has found that 36 UK food and drink firms contributed to a collective reduction in water use of 1.7 per cent during 2008. The companies include Cranswick Food Group, Dairy Crest, Greenvale AP, Mars UK, R&R Ice Cream, United Biscuits, Walkers and William Jackson Food Group.
By introducing simple changes, such as fitting more efficient taps and toilets, as well as measures that facilitate water recovery and re-use and rainwater harvesting, these companies have set the industry on the way to achieving a 20 per cent reduction in water use by 2020, the FHC claims.
Andrew Kuyk of the FDF said: “The sector is a significant water user and has an important role to play in helping to reduce stress on the nation’s water supplies. While there is still much to be done to achieve the 20 per cent by 2020 target, we are delighted to see FHC members already making a positive impact on the environment.”
The FHC initiative makes strong business sense. According to the report, participating companies will have saved almost £500,000 in the purchase of water alone, not including the cost of water treatment and effluent disposal. Claire Sweeney of Envirowise said: “The opportunities for water saving range from simple low-cost solutions through to those which require capital investment and greater lead-in times – offering benefits over the longer term.”
Ms Sweeney said the FHC wanted to encourage other food and drink manufacturers to get involved and share in the best practice and make savings.
The FHC is open to all food and drink manufacturers in the UK, and companies who wish to join national efforts to improve water efficiency can get further information at www.fhc2020.co.uk.
