[L-R] Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland; James Withers, Chief Executive, Scotland Food & Drink; Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment; Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association and the Industry Champion for Sustainability with the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership.
Industry body Scotland Food & Drink (SFD) has launched the ‘first pan-industry sustainability strategy’ within the Scottish food and drink sector.
The Environmental Sustainability Ambition (Environmental Ambition) aims to ’drive the industry to become environmentally and economically sustainable while promoting the sharing of best practice and collaborative working to achieve its objectives across the supply chain’.
Officially launched yesterday (7 February), in the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle as part of the Scottish Food and Drink Sustainability Conference 2013, the strategy concentrates on five specific areas: the efficient use of resources; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; reducing waste and encouraging recycling; reducing the impact of transport; and improving business resistance to climate change.
Progress in each of these areas will be measured annually against a set of commitments formulated by SFD.
Natural heritage 'underpins future economic success'
Speaking at the launch, James Withers, Chief Executive of SFD, said: “A commitment to sustainability is the mark of a progressive industry and this is the first collaborative strategy with the input of all food and drink sectors.
“As a land of food and drink, Scotland has some of the best natural produce in the world. Our growing list of customers know that Scottish produce represents quality derived from an environment boasting beautiful unspoilt landscapes, clean air and pure water. By continuing to protect our natural heritage, we underpin our future economic success."
The Scottish food and drink industry has been identified by the Scottish Government as a ‘priority’ sector in delivering sustainable economic growth. Indeed, according to SFD, the industry is currently valued at £12.4 billion and is well on track to meet its self-imposed 2017 target of £12.5 billion.
The Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland both welcomed the strategy, praising SFD and its partners’ work in ‘encouraging the industry to realise the benefits of sustainability in their businesses… [and] ensuring the appropriate support and access to the partners’ accumulated knowledge and experience is available’.
Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said: “Scotland’s food and drink industry makes a huge contribution to our society and our economy - through its enterprise, innovation and reputation at home and abroad.
“The Scottish Government is passionate about maximising the high-quality food Scotland produces while ensuring that its production is sustainable and not wasteful. In a future of global uncertainty around water supply and food security, Scotland is blessed which comparatively rich resources. However, the need to manage these carefully and protect them has never been more clear.
“Scotland Food & Drink’s collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland and many others across industry and the public sector is increasingly important as we seek to grow our economy while protecting our environment.”
The Environmental Ambition will support other voluntary sustainability programmes, such as WRAP’s Courtauld Commitment, which is soon to enter its third stage.
Director of Zero Waste Scotland Iain Gulland said: “With the introduction of new Waste (Scotland) Regulations next year, and the third stage of the Courtauld Commitment set to launch this spring, there’s never been a more important time to consider the way the industry views waste.”
He argued that waste should not be seen as “a problem to be dealt with”, but as a “valuable resource which could reduce bottom line costs and help meet customers’ expectations around sustainability”.
He continued: “It’s essential to provide opportunities to share best practice and work together to reduce waste at all stages of the supply chain.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.