Retailers and consumers demand documentation of food products’ climate impact. Learn about how we perform life cycle assessments and generate ideas on how to reduce CO2 emissions.
Challenge
The food industry accounts for about 25 % of the total CO2 emissions in the Western World. The CO2 emissions derive from raw materials, production, waste, energy consumption, transport, etc. If the entire value chain is included, emissions from trade, consumption and disposal should be added to the above amount as well. At the same time, consumers, retailers and authorities focus increasingly on resource utilisation, ethics and environmental protection.
Tasks
AgroTech determines the environmental impact of food products by use of life cycle assessments (LCA). And we do not only examine “the tip of the iceberg”. The result of the assessment is presented in a report together with suggestions to where in the value chain the CO2 impact can be reduced. Food producers can use the insight and knowledge obtained in the project as a basis for a dialogue with suppliers, retailers and consumers.
The climate impact is calculated in grams CO2 per kg of food. The assessment is carried out according to the standards outlined in ISO 14044.
Development perspectives
Reduced CO2 emissions are often closely connected with a low energy consumption – and hence a low-cost product. In addition, a CO2-reduced production can contribute to increased staff commitment as staff members are also environmentally conscious consumers who demand knowledge and insight – just like all other consumers and retailers. Finally, the CO2 reduction contributes to ensuring a future-oriented company with respect to future regulatory requirements and demands made by retailers and consumers.
