The carbon footprint of food is a key challenge for companies in regulated markets, but it is also a great opportunity to optimize processes and improve competitiveness.
But do we really know how much our daily choices impact greenhouse gas emissions?
From cultivation to transportation and waste, every food product leaves its mark on the planet.
The collection and management of ESG data are crucial for complying with regulations such as ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and CSRD, ensuring access to regulated markets and mitigating financial and operational risks.
How can we measure and reduce the carbon footprint of what we eat?
We explain which factors influence these emissions and what we can do to reduce them easily and effectively.
The carbon footprint of food is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted throughout its lifecycle.
This includes production, transportation, storage, consumption, and waste.
It is important not to confuse the product's carbon footprint with the corporate carbon footprint.
The first measures the emissions of a specific food product, while the second focuses on the overall impact of a company.
Some foods generate more emissions than others, makes sense, right?
For example, beef has a high carbon footprint due to intensive livestock farming, while legumes and vegetables have a much lower impact.
Each stage in a product's lifecycle generates ESG information that is essential for risk management, cost optimization, and compliance with regulations such as CSRD, SBTi, and ISO.
Accurately measuring these metrics ensures access to regulated markets and reduces financial risks for companies.
Compliance with standards such as ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and CSRD not only helps avoid penalties, but it is also key to ensuring operational viability, access to regulated markets, and sustainable financing sources.
Measuring ESG metrics is not only mandatory for regulatory compliance, but it also improves operational efficiency and facilitates access to strategic markets.
Companies with verifiable ESG metrics meet the requirements of major distributors and international regulations, ensuring their continuity in the supply chain.
Efficient carbon footprint management allows companies to identify inefficiencies in the supply chain and optimize resource use, lowering operational costs.
A company that effectively manages its carbon metrics and regulatory compliance enhances its reputation and gains access to new markets.
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There are several ways to calculate the carbon footprint of a food product:
To ensure accurate calculations, you must include both direct and indirect emissions.
This means considering internal manufacturing processes, as well as the emissions generated by transportation or by the product when used.
Additionally, consider the distances traveled and the means of transport and logistics used.
Finally, the type of production is crucial. For example, industrial livestock farming has a much greater impact than organic farming.
Today, we have technological solutions like Dcycle, which make carbon footprint calculation easier.
This way, you can easily identify in any stage of your product's lifecycle where you should focus on reducing emissions.
How to apply these solutions in the food industry? The key is to measure, analyze, and act.
Integrating ESG metrics into the food industry allows for cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity in regulated markets.
How and why does this happen? Let’s take a look:
ESG regulations are a mandatory requirement to access strategic markets, avoid penalties, and ensure operational stability in an increasingly regulated environment.
Standards such as ISO 14067 and PAS 2050 establish mandatory criteria for the measurement and reporting of ESG metrics, ensuring regulatory compliance in regulated markets.
ESG compliance not only minimizes legal risks, but also enables financial incentives, improves investor perception, and strengthens stability in global markets.
Regulated markets demand suppliers with verifiable ESG metrics, making their implementation an essential requirement to operate in the global supply chain.
Efficient ESG management enhances operational traceability, optimizes costs, and ensures compliance with requirements in strategic markets.
Optimizing production and logistics processes based on ESG metrics helps reduce operational costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure compliance with environmental sustainability and market standards.
This not only benefits the business but also improves efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Companies that accurately manage their ESG metrics ensure access to international markets, avoiding regulatory restrictions and improving their global competitiveness.
Major distributors and supermarket chains prioritize suppliers with low carbon emissions.
Additionally, public tenders and trade agreements are increasingly incorporating environmental criteria as a requirement for participation.
Now that we’ve seen the benefits, let’s look at the other side.
Reducing the carbon footprint of food is not an easy task, and we must overcome major obstacles to achieve it.
But what are the main challenges?
Adapting to ESG regulations requires investment in technology, research, and operational optimization to meet market standards.
Since the initial cost is high and, in some cases, seen as an "obligation," many companies still view it as an expense rather than a long-term investment.
Companies often rely on process automation and human resources from firms like Dcycle to help with this transition.
Food production and distribution involve multiple stakeholders.
Tracking the environmental impact of each link in the supply chain can be challenging, especially in large markets.
Using traceability solutions and methodologies like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial to obtain accurate data.
Even though ESG regulations are becoming more demanding, many companies still lack proper systems, which limits their competitiveness.
Compliance with ESG standards like CSRD and SBTi not only ensures access to regulated markets, but also reduces financial risks and strengthens operational stability through sustainable governance in an increasingly demanding environment.
This lack of knowledge leads to misunderstandings or misconceptions about ESG.
Education and transparency in communication are key to creating a real impact on your business.
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Food transportation is a key source of emissions.
From the production site to the end consumer, every kilometer adds up.
The type of vehicle, the distance, and whether refrigeration is needed all contribute to a higher carbon footprint.
A refrigerated truck covering long distances can emit more than the entire farming phase.
Also, cold storage warehouses consume a lot of energy.
If that energy comes from non-renewable sources, emissions rise even more.
Optimizing routes, using electric or low-emission transport, and improving energy efficiency in warehouses can make a huge difference.
Packaging is another critical factor.
Using non-recyclable plastic or excessive wrapping increases the environmental impact.
On the other hand, recyclable or compostable materials with minimal packaging help reduce emissions.
Food waste is also a major issue.
A significant share of the food system’s emissions come from products that are never consumed.
Reducing waste through better forecasting, clearer labeling, and shelf-life extending technologies is essential.
Every wasted item is lost energy, resources, and emissions.
Food factories and processing centers should transition to clean energy.
Solar panels, green energy contracts, or biomass solutions are highly effective.
Using efficient machinery, LED lighting, and energy management systems also makes a big difference.
These systems help monitor and adjust energy use in real time.
Additionally, reusing organic waste through composting or biogas generation is a circular solution.
It lowers emissions and adds value to the process.
Regenerative farming enhances soil health and captures carbon.
Reducing chemical fertilizers, rotating crops, and using agroforestry techniques all help cut emissions.
In livestock operations, rotational grazing and biodigesters for manure management are key strategies.
They reduce methane emissions and boost overall sustainability.
Applying these methods not only reduces the carbon footprint but also increases the efficiency and resilience of the business.
Agricultural production is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of food, and how land is managed makes a significant difference.
Farming decisions, crop selection, and soil management all affect whether agricultural land becomes a source of emissions or a carbon sink.
While much attention is placed on packaging and transport, mitigating emissions at the source, on the farm, is essential for lasting environmental impact.
Crop type and land use strategies are central to this.
For instance, monoculture farming tends to degrade soil health, increase erosion, and rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which are associated with high emissions due to their production and the release of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂.
In contrast, rotating crops, reducing tillage, and using cover crops can enhance soil’s carbon sequestration potential and improve fertility.
The transition to organic and regenerative farming methods also plays a key role.
By using compost, biofertilizers, or treated manure, farms can reduce dependence on chemical inputs, lower emissions, and improve soil structure and water retention.
These changes make the land more productive and resilient while aligning with the growing demand for sustainably sourced ingredients.
Ultimately, land-use choices are business decisions.
Companies that support regenerative practices and sustainable inputs not only cut emissions but also improve long-term yields, reduce operational risks, and build a stronger ESG profile that appeals to stock investors, regulators, and consumers.
Agricultural decisions impact not just yield but also the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Crop type, rotation, and land use all influence the soil's ability to store or emit carbon.
Techniques like cover cropping or agroforestry can actually help increase carbon sequestration in the soil.
Monoculture farming, on the other hand, depletes soil health, increases erosion, and relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which boost emissions.
In contrast, crop rotation and soil cover improve fertility and reduce dependence on external inputs.
Adopting regenerative agriculture practices is one of the most effective ways to cut emissions while improving long-term soil productivity.
Synthetic fertilizers are responsible for significant indirect emissions, from their production to field application.
They also release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO₂.
Switching to compost, treated manure, or biofertilizers reduces these emissions and improves soil water retention and structure.
It also lowers long-term operational costs and adds value through improved crop quality and sustainability credentials.
This shift is not only good for the environment, it’s a smart business move.
A large part of a food product’s carbon footprint comes from the supply chain, often beyond a company's direct control.
Implementing traceability systems allows companies to track emissions from farm to fork, making ESG reporting more accurate.
Requesting ESG data from suppliers is no longer optional, it's essential to comply with CSRD, ISO 14067, and stay competitive in regulated markets.
This includes information on energy use, farming methods, logistics, and packaging.
Building a network of ESG-compliant suppliers enhances operational resilience, reduces exposure to regulatory risks, and boosts brand reputation.
Top-performing companies don’t just demand, they support.
Helping suppliers through training, technology, and financial tools empowers them to cut their own emissions and meet ESG standards.
This collaboration improves transparency and fosters a more efficient, aligned value chain.
It also builds long-term partnerships based on shared sustainability goals.
Businesses that integrate suppliers into their ESG strategy create wider environmental impact and unlock advantages like market access, cost reduction, and stronger stakeholder trust.
Measuring the carbon footprint of food is a key requirement in regulated markets and an opportunity to optimize processes, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen a company’s competitive position.
Companies that integrate ESG metrics early will optimize access to financing, reduce regulatory risks, and solidify their market position.
More and more investors and markets demand transparency in ESG metrics, forcing companies to measure and report their impact to remain competitive.
Managing ESG metrics allows businesses to optimize resources, enhance competitiveness, and ensure compliance with key regulations necessary for market access.
Companies that implement ESG metrics within their operational strengthen their compliance, avoid penalties, secure access to regulated markets, and reduce financial risks.
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For most food businesses, the supply chain is where a large portion of emissions occurs, especially outside their direct control.
From farms to distribution centers, the logistics of food movement, how it’s stored, transported, and handled, has a massive carbon impact.
That’s why collaborating with suppliers and optimizing logistics processes is key to reducing the overall footprint.
Transportation emissions can be significantly lowered by improving logistics.
This includes switching to electric or hybrid vehicles, optimizing delivery routes, and minimizing cold-chain storage requirements. Cold storage, especially when powered by non-renewable energy, can dramatically raise a product’s carbon footprint.
Companies that invest in energy-efficient warehouses and cleaner transport fleets gain a clear advantage in reducing emissions.
Beyond logistics, supplier collaboration is critical. To meet regulations like CSRD or ISO 14067, companies must collect ESG data from every stage of the supply chain.
This means establishing traceability systems and asking partners to report on their energy use, waste practices, and packaging materials.
Businesses that do this not only gain visibility into their footprint but also build trust with customers and regulators.
More importantly, top-performing companies go a step further.
They support their suppliers by offering training, digital tools, and financial incentives to help them implement low-carbon practices.
This support strengthens the entire value chain and ensures that sustainability goals are achieved collaboratively, not in isolation.
Reducing the food sector’s carbon footprint isn’t just about internal improvements. It’s about building a low-carbon ecosystem that extends from the field to the fork, powered by data, cooperation, and strategic investment.
How can food sector companies reduce their carbon footprint? Here are key strategies:
Without data, no improvement is possible.
The first step is to calculate the carbon footprint using solutions like Dcycle, which facilitate emissions analysis and identify critical areas.
Additionally, optimizing the supply chain and reducing waste improves operational efficiency and cost savings.
Integrating ESG metrics should be progressive and based on measurable strategic objectives to ensure operational and financial effectiveness.
After reading this article, you might be wondering: Where do I start?
Don't worry, here’s a simple 5-step guide:
Each company must identify critical areas in its ESG metrics to avoid regulatory non-compliance and optimize operational efficiency.
Solutions like:
Allow for accurate measurement of the carbon footprint.
Tools like Dcycle simplify data collection and analysis, making strategic decision-making easier.
Establish realistic, measurable targets to gradually reduce emissions.
Managing ESG metrics requires ongoing monitoring to comply with evolving regulations and maintain market competitiveness.
To calculate the carbon footprint of a food product, it is necessary to analyze its entire life cycle: production, transportation, storage, consumption, and waste.
There are methodologies such as:
These allow for an accurate calculation of emissions.
Digital solutions like Dcycle make it easier to collect data and identify areas for improvement.
Animal-based foods usually have the highest carbon footprint.
On the other hand, legumes, fruits, and vegetables have a lower footprint, especially when they are seasonal and locally produced.
There are several certifications that validate efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of food. Some of the most recognized are:
These certifications not only help with regulatory compliance, but also add brand value and credibility to consumers.
Efficient ESG metric management not only reduces regulatory risks, but also improves operational profitability and facilitates access to strategic financing.
Optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and improving the supply chain not only lowers environmental impact but also reduces operating costs.
With solutions like Dcycle, companies can measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint without requiring large initial investments.
Consumers play a key role. Their buying decisions influence the demand for products with lower environmental impact.
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Analisi del calcolo dell'impronta di carbonio tutte le emissioni generate durante il ciclo di vita di un prodotto, compresi l'estrazione, la produzione, il trasporto, l'uso e lo smaltimento delle materie prime.
Le metodologie più riconosciute sono:
Strumenti digitali come Dcycle semplifica il processo, fornendo informazioni accurate e fruibili.
Alcune strategie richiedono investimento iniziale, ma i benefici a lungo termine superano i costi.
Investire nella riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio non è solo un'azione ambientale, è un strategia aziendale intelligente.
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