Three Proven Ways to Lower Emissions in Food Manufacturing and Logistics

Agriculture is typically the largest source of emissions for food and beverage companies. It’s where the greatest environmental impact and opportunity for improvement often lies.

1. Support regenerative agriculture: Regenerative farming practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and managed grazing, can improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon. Collaborating with suppliers to support these practices reduces both emissions and long-term agricultural risk.

2. Prioritize low-carbon inputs: Work with suppliers to transition to lower-emission fertilizers or adopt methane-reducing feed additives for livestock.

3. Promote supplier training and support: Provide technical assistance or incentives to help suppliers adopt sustainable practices, especially smallholder farmers or regional producers who may need extra guidance.

By improving upstream sourcing, companies can tackle a major emissions hotspot while also enhancing product sustainability and brand credibility.

Increase Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy in Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities can significantly cut emissions through improvements in energy management.

1. Conduct energy audits: Regular assessments help identify inefficiencies in heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment operation. Addressing these inefficiencies often results in both emissions reductions and cost savings.

2. Upgrade to efficient technologies: Invest in modern, energy-efficient machinery and process controls that reduce energy consumption and improve production performance.

3. Transition to renewable energy: Shifting to renewable electricity whether through on-site installations or power purchase agreements (PPAs) — can substantially lower Scope 2 emissions associated with manufacturing.

4. Reduce water and thermal waste: Implement systems to recycle water and capture waste heat, further reducing resource use.

By combining operational upgrades with clean energy, companies can deliver immediate climate benefits and long-term financial returns.

Optimize Logistics and Redesign Packaging for Lower Impact

Downstream operations, including transportation and packaging, are often overlooked but offer valuable opportunities to reduce emissions.

1. Improve logistics efficiency: Analyze transport routes, warehouse placement, and delivery schedules to reduce fuel use and improve efficiency. Techniques like load optimization, route planning software, and intermodal transport can lower emissions without sacrificing delivery speed.

2. Transition to lower-emission fleets: Gradually integrate electric, hybrid, or alternative-fuel vehicles into company or contracted fleets, particularly for short-haul and last-mile delivery.

3. Redesign packaging materials: Shift to lightweight, recyclable, or compostable materials that reduce both material emissions and downstream waste. Lightweight packaging also decreases fuel consumption during transportation.

4. Collaborate with partners: Work across the value chain from packaging suppliers to logistics providers to identify joint solutions and share best practices.

Focusing on logistics and packaging not only reduces emissions but also improves efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances the customer experience.

Building Momentum Across the Value Chain

While each of these strategies offers powerful benefits on its own, the real impact comes from combining them into a cohesive, long-term approach.

1. Start by assessing which areas offer the greatest emissions reduction potential for your company.

2. Prioritize high-impact interventions that align with business goals and supplier readiness.

3. Engage partners and suppliers early to build shared ownership and long-term commitment.

Over time, integrating these practices into everyday operations can help companies transform their supply chains reducing emissions, strengthening resilience, and meeting the expectations of investors, customers, and regulators.

Get the Full Guide: Food & Beverage Playbook

For companies ready to take the next step, the Food & Beverage Playbook offers a practical, ready-to-use roadmap.

Inside, you’ll find:

1. A step-by-step emissions reduction framework

2. Supplier engagement templates

3. Case studies and best practices from leading brands

4. Actionable checklists for manufacturing, logistics, and packaging improvements

Download the playbook now →

Equip your team to lower emissions and strengthen supply chain performance with proven, real-world strategies.