By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online

Putting sustainability measures in place in the confines of your food facility not only benefits the environment, it also has the potential to increase profits, decrease production and operation costs, boost brand awareness, and bolster customer loyalty. To reap the greatest benefits from going green, food manufacturers should implement green strategies in the following areas.

Product Sourcing

The growth in demand for healthy food and products has been steady over the last decade and, according to USDA projections, will continue throughout the foreseeable future. Increased public awareness and support for organic food manufacturing has led many food brands to offer a wider selection of organic products. Organic production has become a key factor in gaining and retaining market share.

For products, such as palm oil, that are from tropical regions, some companies are gaining consumer loyalty by addressing concerns about rainforest deforestation. Unilever and Kellogg are two such companies that are requiring that their suppliers follow strict sustainability guidelines.

Toxin Elimination

Eliminating toxins from the manufacturing process is another way manufacturers are addressing the growing demand for food purity. Removing toxins from the production process means ensuring that cleaning agents, packaging materials, and equipment are all free of toxins. For example, flexible tubing used in many pieces of equipment may contain a phthalate called DEHP, which has raised chemical concerns among environmental health organizations due to its effects on human and environmental health. Replacing DEHP tubing with less toxic alternatives can improve the health and safety of products while earning the trust of consumers.

Packaging

Aside from using non-toxic packaging materials, manufacturers can lessen their environmental impact by reducing the amount of packaging used on their products. Furthermore, using recycled and other eco-friendly packaging options can bolster sustainability. Using thinner materials or implementing smaller packaging can ultimately result in significant cost savings and waste reduction.

Energy Efficiency

Go here to see the original:
Going Green: Good For The Environment, Good For Bottom Lines