# ​How Food Companies Can Make the World Greener

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/how-food-companies-can-make-the-world-greener/
- Published: 2016-07-10T20:20:08-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Food rests at the heart of our cultures and of our lives. It gives us energy and
it brings people together. Thereby also nourishing both the body and the soul. Unfortunately,
the production, shipping, and disposal of food makes for waste. I mean it is responsible
for much of the waste that pollutes the earth. The good [news is that the food](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/polysorbate-80-in-your-food-the-truth-revealed/)
industry has begun to recognize this reality. In and, it has started to make changes
accordingly. Here are a few of the ways that food companies can improve their practices.
Finally to make the world a greener place.

![](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/wp-
1465085492206.jpeg?w=528)

## **Process Optimization**

The production and transportation of food products uses up a lot of resources. Farming
requires water, which is not always used efficiently. Factory equipment must use
electricity to operate, and the facilities that house the equipment generate pollution.

Transporting goods to their market destinations requires fuel. In such a complex
industry, there are many areas where waste is rampant. Fortunately, that means there
are many ways that companies can improve their practices to reduce their carbon 
footprints.

One way to approach this issue is to update facilities to make them more energy-
efficient. Incorporating LED bulbs, updated windows, wind and solar power where 
possible can go a long way to reducing the energy used by large industrial buildings.
Computerized and automated equipment may also be helpful in generating maximum production
efficiency.

![](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/wp-
1459484921103.jpeg?w=528)

Another way companies can become more sustainable is to analyze their processes 
for sources of waste, and then eliminate these sources. For example, one New York
[food processing company](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/bike-brooklyn-bridge-with-new-york-water-taxi/)
was able to reduce its water usage by 74% a year simply by redirecting waste heat
from its existing combined heat and power system.

![](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/wp-
1466464517978.jpeg?w=528)

Finally, companies can evaluate their food transportation systems. Optimizing route
efficiency can reduce fuel waste and shorten shipment journeys. Using electrified
vehicles that are properly maintained and enforcing good driving practices in their
operators can also keep the vehicles running more efficiently over longer periods
of time.

#### **More Plants, Less Meat**

Livestock agriculture is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions 
on the planet. It seems almost impossible for people to cease farming livestock,
since it is a critical component of food and livelihoods worldwide. However, there
are ways to at least reduce the impact of livestock agriculture on the environment,
one of which is for people to incorporate a higher concentration of plants into 
their diets. This would reduce the amount of resources that need to be dedicated
to livestock agriculture, as well as allow land to be dedicated to more enriching
crops.

If this cultural shift could take place, it would be revolutionary. Some companies
recognize the impact that such a change would have, and are attempting to help make
it happen. [Hampton Creek](https://www.youtube.com/user/Hamptoncreekfoods) is a 
food technology company that is dedicated to making the food we eat more sustainable
and more nutritious. They have conducted extensive research into the properties 
of plants, hoping to find ways to use plants to replace animal products in food.
For example, their mayonnaise substitute, Just Mayo, uses a pea plant to provide
the structure usually imparted by eggs.

#### **Sustainable Packaging**

Landfills are packed with containers and wrappers that once held food. This is because
many types of packaging mix pure materials, making them non-recyclable. Even materials
that are recyclable are often produced unsustainably. For example, plastics are 
made of petroleum, and the process of turning oil into [plastic water bottles](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/eco-friendly-alternatives-to-everyday-items/)
requires an astounding amount of energy.

![](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/wp-
1465225250814.jpeg?w=528)

Instead of using plastics and other unsustainable types of packaging, some food 
companies make a point of housing their products in easily recyclable materials,
such as glass and aluminum cans.

While this can make shipping more expensive, it can also reduce landfill waste. 
Other companies are hoping to phase out non-biodegradable materials and replace 
them with sustainable packaging. For example, some scientists are currently attempting
to develop dairy-based packaging, which would use materials made of dairy-based 
proteins instead of machine-made proteins.

### **Bringing Green to the Table**

As the world continues to make sustainability a priority, food suppliers will continue
to join and spur the movement. Consumers can facilitate the generation of better
food production practices by making their desires clear to food companies. Businesses
will find ways to respond to the demands of their markets, which will benefit everyone
in the end. Maybe one day everyone in the world will be able to sit down at the 
table and enjoy food that enriched the planet on its way there.