by Sarah Hills FoodBizDaily.com London
February 08 2010 - An environmental toolkit, put together by the UK Environment Agency, is expected to help food and drink manufacturers “achieve real bottom line business benefits”.
The Food & Drink Manufacturing - Environmental Management Toolkit aims to help manufacturing businesses manage their operations to reduce the risk of harming the environment.
It was compiled by the Environment Agency (EA) with the support of a number of trade associations representing the food and drink sector.
It provides templates that companies can use to ensure thier operations comply with environmental legislation, as well as helping to develop and review environmental management systems.
One of its aims is to help businesses identify and manage typical impacts on the environment such as air emissions, land contamination, noise and odour pollution, energy usage, waste disposal and water discharges.
It claims that the benefits can include improved resource efficiency and productivity, reduced operating costs and improved reputation
Inder Poonaji is head of safety, health and environment sustainability at Nestlé UK and chair of the industry working group.
Poonaji states in the EA toolkit document: “Managing the environmental aspects of our industry is fundamental to sustainable business practice. By using this toolkit you will be able to identify and implement the key procedures that are essential to sustainable business performance.
“I am convinced that if you follow the toolkit carefully you will be able to achieve real bottom line business benefits.”