Take advantage of residual flows and become more climate-smart

Only the first part of the production chain, agriculture, accounts for about 13 percent of the total Swedish greenhouse gas emissions. 

"Since such a large part of the climate impact lies early, it is important that farmers take advantage of as much of the raw materials as possible in the initial stages," says Emma Holtz, Head of Unit for Sustainable Consumption and Production at RISE. 

But as important as it is for farmers to take advantage of the entire raw material, it is equally important for food producers and meal suppliers to make the most of a food to reduce food waste. For example, using by-products and residual flows that arise during production to make new food products or dishes instead of throwing away what is left over. 

The food producer who wants to act to reduce their climate footprint should start by mapping their own operations to learn what causes the greatest impact and from there set goals and draw up action plans, according to Emma Holtz. 

Proof of the impact of climate action 

By quantifying their climate impact – and systematically following up the results – the food producer gets a receipt for the effect of the measures they are implementing. 

"Take the opportunity to take advantage of resources in a more efficient way. Also review other areas such as fossil-free energy solutions in the manufacturing process. Thanks to today's technology, for example, there are opportunities to make more climate-adapted logistics and material choices for packaging," says Emma Holtz. 

Britta Florén, senior project manager at RISE, has extensive experience in identifying climate-improving measures. Collaboration has proven to be a key factor in being able to identify solutions and have more effect on their climate work. 

“Make sure to maintain an active dialogue with your suppliers. For example, require them to use renewable energy sources in their production. Their climate measures affect your business and contribute to a reduced climate footprint for both of you,” says Britta Florén. 

Strategically important to promote improvements 

She also emphasizes how strategically important it is to talk about the climate measures that are being taken – of course in a genuine and transparent way. 

Internally to engage the entire staff in climate work, and externally aimed at actors in the food industry and consumers - in interviews with the media, in their own channels or why not on their own packaging. 

“Setting a good example and being a forerunner contributes to a positive change in the entire industry, whilst simultaneously strengthening your own brand,” says Britta Florén. 

A concrete example is Swedish greenhouse cultivation. The growers have inspired each other all over the country and oil-fired boilers have been replaced with biofuel that heats tomatoes, cucumbers and other things that germinate. According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, fossil fuels in greenhouses have decreased from 77 percent (in 2002) to 13 (in 2020). 

International frameworks to keep track of 

For those who want to take continued climate-smart steps, there are international frameworks to relate to, where especially Science Based Targets (SBT) and Greenhouse Gas Protocol are in focus. In order to work with surveys and goals in accordance with the frameworks, there is knowledge and experience at RISE to use. 

Smaller companies may need to work in a simplified way. The experts at RISE can then help them make relevant priorities. 

"We coach them, provide them with knowledge and methods to facilitate climate work, and companies can also learn a lot from each other by exchanging experiences," says Britta Florén. 

In the long run, there is much to suggest that it will be easier to compete in the market with climate-adapted products, among other things because consumers are becoming more and more aware of the opportunity to influence through their choices. Perhaps the companies' product portfolios can be expanded and changed with more climate-smart ingredients? Most often, the most important climate measures are linked to the climate raw material, but Britta Florén believes that it is crucial to have a holistic view of the entire production chain in order to prioritize the right changes that really matter.