A new framework created by the IGD and six leading manufacturers aims to standardise sustainability efforts and bolster resilience across the food industry
A new initiative from the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) seeks to create a more resilient food supply chain through the introduction of its Food Supply Chain Sustainability Framework.
Developed in collaboration with major manufacturers and industry stakeholders the framework provides guidance for businesses to better incorporate sustainability into their operations and clarify key priorities.
This work could protect the future of the food and drinks industry by standardising approaches to complex challenges.
The IGD, an impartial body, working to connect the agrifood supply chain launched the framework to build on previous work.
It follows last year’s release of A Net Zero Transition Plan for the UK Food System, a roadmap created with Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Ernst & Young (EY). This new framework is designed to help companies move beyond planning and into direct action.
Standardising sustainability efforts
To deliver the guidance IGD collaborated with six food manufacturers: Bakkavor The Billington Group The Compleat Food Group Greencore Premier Foods and Samworth Brothers.
The goal was to address a key issue where manufacturers had common sustainability goals but their methods for achieving them often contrasted, spreading supplier resources thin and hindering progress.
The manufacturers stated: “As a group of manufacturers working with IGD we see this Framework and guidance as a first step to supporting sustainability commitments as part of joint business planning, making it easier for procurement teams and both businesses in a commercial supply chain relationship. We hope next year to expand this to other sectors.”
Addressing climate risk and economic imperatives
The need for a unified approach to food supply chain sustainability is a matter of resilience as well as economics and environmental stewardship. According to a report published by the IGD and EY, the cost of failing to address climate risk equates to US$3.4bn.
Climate change is already a source of disruption for global food supply chains, contributing to inflation as irregular weather patterns affect crop growth. Food is also classified as one of 13 critical national infrastructure sectors, and its security is at risk if crop growth and harvesting fail.
By creating partnerships and streamlined solutions, the food industry can work more effectively towards its sustainability targets.
The collaboration between the IGD and the manufacturing group was formed to build this unification and provide clear guidance where sustainability is not yet fully integrated across procurement processes.
Fostering collaboration for meaningful change
Kirsty Saddler, the Director of Health & Sustainability Programmes at the IGD, explains the motivation behind the initiative.
“We recognise that creating a sustainable, healthy and resilient UK food system demands greater cross-industry collaboration and practical action. The launch of A Net Zero Transition Plan provided the technical evidence needed, but over the last year, we’ve worked to move that forward into action,” she says.
She notes that the new framework is a key part of this process.
“The introduction of the Food Supply Chain Sustainability Framework is an important step in furthering collaborative progress, and while it has been developed with manufacturers, we believe this can support supplier and customer relationships across every part of the supply chain to reduce emissions,” she explains.
“Together we are building the pathways and the confidence needed to invest in a more meaningful, sustainable change for our industry and our communities.”
The framework provides a common language and set of priorities for suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. It outlines seven key topics that are frequently relied upon within the food and drinks industry.
- Climate: net zero
- Deforestation & conversion
- Water
- Nature
- Packaging
- Food waste
- Human rights (Food Network for Ethical Trade (FNET))
As not all topics apply to every supplier, the framework acts as a guide for businesses to align their operations. It allows companies to identify suppliers with a material impact and large climate risks.
Suppliers can then perform self-assessments before collaborating with customers to determine priorities and solutions.
By utilising the framework the food industry can see how to build supply chain resilience through prioritisation and active engagement which in turn helps to create long-lasting value and a more positive environmental impact.