Episode 5: Sustainability trends

In this episode, we countdown the top five food and drink manufacturing sustainability trends taken from our analysis of stories published on FoodManufacture.co.uk.

We talk deposit return schemes and the challenges in making them viable in the UK, green claims and the threat of greenwashing and the circular economy. No spoilers for the top two trends – you’ll just have to listen and find out for yourself!

Good month, bad month

This month also sees the return of our now regular feature, Good Month, Bad Month where we lament the recent closures in the meat alternatives sector while celebrating the future talent in the field of food science at this year’s Ecotrophelia student innovation competition.

Special guests on the podcast include David Lynch – a director at DDK – who we grill on some of the popular ways in which food and drink companies are making themselves more sustainable, through the use of technology such as digital twins and offsetting carbon through factory design.

Tate & Lyle

We also speak to Tate & Lyle director of sustainability Anna Pierce to get her take on the trends that manufacturers need to be aware of – from climate change and making meaningful reductions in your carbon footprint to regenerative agriculture.

Don’t forget to check out the other episodes of the Food Manufacture podcast, available on site and through your favourite podcast catching service. Last month, we explored the energy market and what manufacturers need to look out for when choosing their providers.

Meanwhile, Alison Johnson explores the role that environment, social and governance (ESG) factors play in assessing a company's impact on society and the environment​​ and the top risks and actions food and drink manufacturers need to watch out for.