GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Food Manufacturing Industry Statistics

Food manufacturers are globally cutting water and energy use while reducing emissions and waste.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Food manufacturing Scope 1 emissions totaled 1.1 GtCO2e in 2022, 12% of industrial total.

Statistic 2

EU food factories cut GHG emissions 25% from 2015-2022 to 0.45 tCO2e/ton product.

Statistic 3

Cargill reduced emissions intensity 30% in processing plants by 2023 via methane capture.

Statistic 4

Global dairy emissions from manufacturing were 0.32 tCO2e per liter milk equivalent in 2021.

Statistic 5

U.S. processors offset 15% emissions through verified carbon credits in 2022.

Statistic 6

Nestlé's factories achieved 20% Scope 3 emission cuts from sourcing in 2022.

Statistic 7

Asia food manufacturing emissions grew 8% annually but efficiency gains curbed to 5% net.

Statistic 8

Kraft Heinz lowered refrigerant emissions 55% by switching to natural gases in 2023.

Statistic 9

UK sector emissions fell 22% per ton from 2005-2022, reaching 0.35 tCO2e/ton.

Statistic 10

Meat processors worldwide emitted 450 MtCO2e from operations in 2022, 40% from energy.

Statistic 11

Danone's carbon footprint per ton dropped 18% to 0.28 tCO2e by 2022.

Statistic 12

Brazilian soy processing emissions intensity at 0.15 tCO2e/ton in 2023 post-deforestation controls.

Statistic 13

62% of global food firms set net-zero targets covering manufacturing by 2023.

Statistic 14

Conagra Scope 1&2 emissions reduced 42% from baseline by 2025 early achievement in 2023.

Statistic 15

Food manufacturing energy intensity dropped 15% globally from 2015-2022 to 1.2 MWh per ton of output.

Statistic 16

45% of EU food factories ran on 100% renewable electricity in 2023, up from 22% in 2018.

Statistic 17

General Mills sourced 78% renewable energy for manufacturing in 2022, reducing fossil fuel use by 40%.

Statistic 18

Coca-Cola plants achieved 100% renewable electricity in 52 countries by 2023, covering 85% global operations.

Statistic 19

Asia-Pacific food processors increased solar installations by 300% from 2019-2023, generating 5 GW onsite.

Statistic 20

U.S. bakery industry energy use fell 18% per ton from 2010-2022 via efficient ovens.

Statistic 21

Mars Inc. powered 50% of factories with renewables in 2022, targeting 100% by 2025.

Statistic 22

Global dairy processing used 0.85 MWh/ton in 2021, with 30% from biomass and wind.

Statistic 23

Chinese food manufacturers adopted LED lighting, cutting energy by 25% to 1.1 MWh/ton in 2023.

Statistic 24

Conagra Brands reduced Scope 2 emissions 55% by 2022 through 65% renewable energy procurement.

Statistic 25

UK food sector generated 2.5 TWh from onsite renewables in 2022, 12% of total energy needs.

Statistic 26

68% of food packaging globally was recyclable in 2023, up from 45% in 2018.

Statistic 27

Unilever sourced 94% agricultural raw materials sustainably in 2022 for manufacturing.

Statistic 28

55% reduction in virgin plastic use by EU food makers via recycled content by 2023.

Statistic 29

Palm oil in global food products was 72% RSPO-certified sustainable in 2022.

Statistic 30

U.S. firms used 25% recycled PET in beverage bottles for food in 2023.

Statistic 31

Nestlé committed to 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025, 92% achieved in 2023.

Statistic 32

Global soy sourcing for food manufacturing was 48% deforestation-free in 2022.

Statistic 33

Coca-Cola introduced 30% plant-based packaging for select food products in 2023.

Statistic 34

40% of seafood used in processing was MSC-certified sustainable in 2023.

Statistic 35

Mars sourced 100% sustainable cocoa for chocolate manufacturing by 2022.

Statistic 36

EU mandated 25% recycled content in plastic food packaging from 2025.

Statistic 37

Tyson Foods used 20% alternative proteins from sustainable sources in 2023 products.

Statistic 38

75% of coffee in food products was Rainforest Alliance certified in 2022.

Statistic 39

PepsiCo's packaging was 28% recycled material globally in 2023.

Statistic 40

Global food industry fiber-based packaging grew to 45% of total in 2023.

Statistic 41

35% of global food manufacturing waste was diverted from landfills in 2022 via composting.

Statistic 42

U.S. food processors recycled 82% of packaging waste in 2023, totaling 4.5 million tons.

Statistic 43

Nestlé eliminated 1.3 million tons of food waste in manufacturing from 2019-2022.

Statistic 44

EU regulations led to 50% reduction in plastic waste from food packaging by 2025 targets.

Statistic 45

India's food industry composted 70% of organic waste in 2022, producing 2.8 million tons fertilizer.

Statistic 46

Tyson Foods diverted 95% of manufacturing waste from landfills in 2022, processing 1.2 million tons.

Statistic 47

Global bakery waste reduced 28% per ton output from 2015-2022 through portion control tech.

Statistic 48

Unilever achieved zero non-hazardous waste to landfill across 90% factories by 2023.

Statistic 49

Brazilian fruit processors recycled 88% of peels and scraps into biogas in 2023.

Statistic 50

Mondelez cut packaging waste by 15% globally in 2022, reusing 300,000 tons materials.

Statistic 51

U.S. confectionery manufacturers converted 60% food byproducts to animal feed in 2021.

Statistic 52

Europe’s meat processors achieved 75% waste valorization rate in 2023, generating €2.5B value.

Statistic 53

Kellogg reduced manufacturing waste by 40% to 0.8% of output by 2022.

Statistic 54

Global seafood processing waste landfill rate dropped to 12% in 2022 from 35% in 2010.

Statistic 55

PepsiCo recycled 95% of manufacturing waste in 2023, diverting 450,000 tons.

Statistic 56

In 2022, food manufacturing plants worldwide used 1.2 trillion cubic meters of water annually, accounting for 28% of global industrial freshwater withdrawals.

Statistic 57

U.S. food processors recycled 65% of their process water in 2021, saving 450 billion liters compared to non-recycling facilities.

Statistic 58

Nestlé reduced water usage per ton of product by 42% from 2005 to 2022, achieving 3.2 cubic meters per ton globally.

Statistic 59

In Europe, 72% of dairy processing plants implemented zero-liquid discharge systems by 2023, treating 98% of wastewater onsite.

Statistic 60

Global beverage manufacturers withdrew 310 billion liters of water in 2021, with 55% sourced from sustainable aquifers.

Statistic 61

Indian food industry reduced water intensity by 25% between 2015-2022 through rainwater harvesting, averaging 2.8 m³/ton.

Statistic 62

Unilever's factories achieved 100% water replenishment in high-stress areas by 2022, replenishing 1.5 billion liters.

Statistic 63

Meat processing sector consumed 15,000 liters of water per ton of product in 2020, down 18% from 2010 levels.

Statistic 64

Brazil's soy processing plants recycled 82% of water in 2023, reducing freshwater intake by 3.4 billion m³ annually.

Statistic 65

Cereal manufacturers in Asia cut water use by 35% via membrane technology, reaching 1.9 m³/ton in 2022.

Statistic 66

PepsiCo reported 2.1 liters of water per liter of beverage produced in 2022, a 28% improvement since 2010.

Statistic 67

EU bakery sector achieved 60% wastewater reuse rate in 2023, conserving 120 million m³ yearly.

Statistic 68

Global canned goods industry used 4.5 m³ water per ton in 2021, with 40% recycled through advanced filtration.

Statistic 69

Kellogg's plants reduced water use intensity by 32% from 2015-2022, to 2.4 m³/ton of cereal.

Statistic 70

Australian dairy processors replenished 115% of water used in 2022 via watershed projects.

Statistic 71

Chocolate manufacturers worldwide withdrew 2.8 billion m³ water in 2022, 50% from certified sustainable sources.

Statistic 72

U.S. snack food plants achieved 75% water recycling in 2023, saving 200 billion gallons annually.

Statistic 73

French food processors cut water use by 22% per unit output from 2018-2022 using AI optimization.

Statistic 74

Global frozen food sector used 5.2 m³/ton water in 2021, with 65% treated and reused onsite.

Statistic 75

Danone reduced water withdrawal by 35% to 2.0 m³/ton of dairy products by 2022.

1/75

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As we witness a shocking reality where food manufacturing alone guzzles 28% of the world's industrial freshwater, the industry is writing a remarkable comeback story through radical innovation, with global leaders now achieving 100% water replenishment and sourcing over 70% of key ingredients from certified sustainable origins.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, food manufacturing plants worldwide used 1.2 trillion cubic meters of water annually, accounting for 28% of global industrial freshwater withdrawals.
U.S. food processors recycled 65% of their process water in 2021, saving 450 billion liters compared to non-recycling facilities.
Nestlé reduced water usage per ton of product by 42% from 2005 to 2022, achieving 3.2 cubic meters per ton globally.
Food manufacturing energy intensity dropped 15% globally from 2015-2022 to 1.2 MWh per ton of output.
45% of EU food factories ran on 100% renewable electricity in 2023, up from 22% in 2018.
General Mills sourced 78% renewable energy for manufacturing in 2022, reducing fossil fuel use by 40%.
35% of global food manufacturing waste was diverted from landfills in 2022 via composting.
U.S. food processors recycled 82% of packaging waste in 2023, totaling 4.5 million tons.
Nestlé eliminated 1.3 million tons of food waste in manufacturing from 2019-2022.
Food manufacturing Scope 1 emissions totaled 1.1 GtCO2e in 2022, 12% of industrial total.
EU food factories cut GHG emissions 25% from 2015-2022 to 0.45 tCO2e/ton product.
Cargill reduced emissions intensity 30% in processing plants by 2023 via methane capture.
68% of food packaging globally was recyclable in 2023, up from 45% in 2018.
Unilever sourced 94% agricultural raw materials sustainably in 2022 for manufacturing.
55% reduction in virgin plastic use by EU food makers via recycled content by 2023.

Food manufacturers are globally cutting water and energy use while reducing emissions and waste.

Emissions and Carbon Footprint

Food manufacturing Scope 1 emissions totaled 1.1 GtCO2e in 2022, 12% of industrial total.
EU food factories cut GHG emissions 25% from 2015-2022 to 0.45 tCO2e/ton product.
Cargill reduced emissions intensity 30% in processing plants by 2023 via methane capture.
Global dairy emissions from manufacturing were 0.32 tCO2e per liter milk equivalent in 2021.
U.S. processors offset 15% emissions through verified carbon credits in 2022.
Nestlé's factories achieved 20% Scope 3 emission cuts from sourcing in 2022.
Asia food manufacturing emissions grew 8% annually but efficiency gains curbed to 5% net.
Kraft Heinz lowered refrigerant emissions 55% by switching to natural gases in 2023.
UK sector emissions fell 22% per ton from 2005-2022, reaching 0.35 tCO2e/ton.
Meat processors worldwide emitted 450 MtCO2e from operations in 2022, 40% from energy.
Danone's carbon footprint per ton dropped 18% to 0.28 tCO2e by 2022.
Brazilian soy processing emissions intensity at 0.15 tCO2e/ton in 2023 post-deforestation controls.
62% of global food firms set net-zero targets covering manufacturing by 2023.
Conagra Scope 1&2 emissions reduced 42% from baseline by 2025 early achievement in 2023.

Emissions and Carbon Footprint Interpretation

Food manufacturing is still a heavy hitter, pumping out over a billion tonnes of CO2, but a determined swarm of companies, from Cargill to Conagra, are proving with falling intensity numbers that we can indeed make our meals without cooking the planet.

Energy Consumption and Renewables

Food manufacturing energy intensity dropped 15% globally from 2015-2022 to 1.2 MWh per ton of output.
45% of EU food factories ran on 100% renewable electricity in 2023, up from 22% in 2018.
General Mills sourced 78% renewable energy for manufacturing in 2022, reducing fossil fuel use by 40%.
Coca-Cola plants achieved 100% renewable electricity in 52 countries by 2023, covering 85% global operations.
Asia-Pacific food processors increased solar installations by 300% from 2019-2023, generating 5 GW onsite.
U.S. bakery industry energy use fell 18% per ton from 2010-2022 via efficient ovens.
Mars Inc. powered 50% of factories with renewables in 2022, targeting 100% by 2025.
Global dairy processing used 0.85 MWh/ton in 2021, with 30% from biomass and wind.
Chinese food manufacturers adopted LED lighting, cutting energy by 25% to 1.1 MWh/ton in 2023.
Conagra Brands reduced Scope 2 emissions 55% by 2022 through 65% renewable energy procurement.
UK food sector generated 2.5 TWh from onsite renewables in 2022, 12% of total energy needs.

Energy Consumption and Renewables Interpretation

The global food industry is quietly proving that a cleaner plate starts with efficient ovens, renewable volts, and a universal distaste for waste.

Sustainable Sourcing and Packaging

68% of food packaging globally was recyclable in 2023, up from 45% in 2018.
Unilever sourced 94% agricultural raw materials sustainably in 2022 for manufacturing.
55% reduction in virgin plastic use by EU food makers via recycled content by 2023.
Palm oil in global food products was 72% RSPO-certified sustainable in 2022.
U.S. firms used 25% recycled PET in beverage bottles for food in 2023.
Nestlé committed to 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025, 92% achieved in 2023.
Global soy sourcing for food manufacturing was 48% deforestation-free in 2022.
Coca-Cola introduced 30% plant-based packaging for select food products in 2023.
40% of seafood used in processing was MSC-certified sustainable in 2023.
Mars sourced 100% sustainable cocoa for chocolate manufacturing by 2022.
EU mandated 25% recycled content in plastic food packaging from 2025.
Tyson Foods used 20% alternative proteins from sustainable sources in 2023 products.
75% of coffee in food products was Rainforest Alliance certified in 2022.
PepsiCo's packaging was 28% recycled material globally in 2023.
Global food industry fiber-based packaging grew to 45% of total in 2023.

Sustainable Sourcing and Packaging Interpretation

While the global food industry is making encouraging, measurable progress on multiple sustainability fronts, these statistics reveal we’re still largely serving a side of "not good enough" with our main course of genuine environmental responsibility.

Waste Management and Reduction

35% of global food manufacturing waste was diverted from landfills in 2022 via composting.
U.S. food processors recycled 82% of packaging waste in 2023, totaling 4.5 million tons.
Nestlé eliminated 1.3 million tons of food waste in manufacturing from 2019-2022.
EU regulations led to 50% reduction in plastic waste from food packaging by 2025 targets.
India's food industry composted 70% of organic waste in 2022, producing 2.8 million tons fertilizer.
Tyson Foods diverted 95% of manufacturing waste from landfills in 2022, processing 1.2 million tons.
Global bakery waste reduced 28% per ton output from 2015-2022 through portion control tech.
Unilever achieved zero non-hazardous waste to landfill across 90% factories by 2023.
Brazilian fruit processors recycled 88% of peels and scraps into biogas in 2023.
Mondelez cut packaging waste by 15% globally in 2022, reusing 300,000 tons materials.
U.S. confectionery manufacturers converted 60% food byproducts to animal feed in 2021.
Europe’s meat processors achieved 75% waste valorization rate in 2023, generating €2.5B value.
Kellogg reduced manufacturing waste by 40% to 0.8% of output by 2022.
Global seafood processing waste landfill rate dropped to 12% in 2022 from 35% in 2010.
PepsiCo recycled 95% of manufacturing waste in 2023, diverting 450,000 tons.

Waste Management and Reduction Interpretation

The industry's starting to look less like a wasteful mess and more like a thrifty, if slightly obsessive, chef who can't bear to throw out a single scrap, turning yesterday’s potato peels and plastic wrap into tomorrow’s fertilizer, biogas, and animal feed.

Water Usage and Conservation

In 2022, food manufacturing plants worldwide used 1.2 trillion cubic meters of water annually, accounting for 28% of global industrial freshwater withdrawals.
U.S. food processors recycled 65% of their process water in 2021, saving 450 billion liters compared to non-recycling facilities.
Nestlé reduced water usage per ton of product by 42% from 2005 to 2022, achieving 3.2 cubic meters per ton globally.
In Europe, 72% of dairy processing plants implemented zero-liquid discharge systems by 2023, treating 98% of wastewater onsite.
Global beverage manufacturers withdrew 310 billion liters of water in 2021, with 55% sourced from sustainable aquifers.
Indian food industry reduced water intensity by 25% between 2015-2022 through rainwater harvesting, averaging 2.8 m³/ton.
Unilever's factories achieved 100% water replenishment in high-stress areas by 2022, replenishing 1.5 billion liters.
Meat processing sector consumed 15,000 liters of water per ton of product in 2020, down 18% from 2010 levels.
Brazil's soy processing plants recycled 82% of water in 2023, reducing freshwater intake by 3.4 billion m³ annually.
Cereal manufacturers in Asia cut water use by 35% via membrane technology, reaching 1.9 m³/ton in 2022.
PepsiCo reported 2.1 liters of water per liter of beverage produced in 2022, a 28% improvement since 2010.
EU bakery sector achieved 60% wastewater reuse rate in 2023, conserving 120 million m³ yearly.
Global canned goods industry used 4.5 m³ water per ton in 2021, with 40% recycled through advanced filtration.
Kellogg's plants reduced water use intensity by 32% from 2015-2022, to 2.4 m³/ton of cereal.
Australian dairy processors replenished 115% of water used in 2022 via watershed projects.
Chocolate manufacturers worldwide withdrew 2.8 billion m³ water in 2022, 50% from certified sustainable sources.
U.S. snack food plants achieved 75% water recycling in 2023, saving 200 billion gallons annually.
French food processors cut water use by 22% per unit output from 2018-2022 using AI optimization.
Global frozen food sector used 5.2 m³/ton water in 2021, with 65% treated and reused onsite.
Danone reduced water withdrawal by 35% to 2.0 m³/ton of dairy products by 2022.

Water Usage and Conservation Interpretation

While the food manufacturing industry still thirstily accounts for over a quarter of global industrial freshwater withdrawals, promising cracks are appearing in the dam, as leading companies and sectors prove that high-volume water recycling, drastic intensity reductions, and meaningful replenishment are not just possible but increasingly profitable.