GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Food Manufacturing Industry Statistics

Food industry reduces emissions and waste through sustainable practices and innovation.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Food manufacturing companies that focus on sustainable sourcing see up to a 15% increase in consumer loyalty

Statistic 2

Approximately 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced food products

Statistic 3

80% of food manufacturing companies see improved brand image by adopting sustainability initiatives

Statistic 4

Approximately 68% of consumers globally consider sustainability when choosing food products

Statistic 5

The global organic food market is projected to reach $697 billion by 2028, driven largely by sustainability concerns

Statistic 6

The implementation of eco-labeling has increased transparency and trust, with 70% of consumers recognizing eco-labels on packaging

Statistic 7

The use of alternative proteins (insect, algae) is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% until 2027, driven by sustainability goals

Statistic 8

65% of global consumers believe that government policies should support sustainable food practices

Statistic 9

Up to 85% of consumers are interested in purchasing from sustainable brands, indicating market growth

Statistic 10

Eco-friendly certifications (like Organic, Fair Trade) increase product sales by up to 20%, encouraging wider adoption

Statistic 11

Reducing meat consumption globally by 25% could decrease food-related emissions by approximately 4.9 gigatons annually

Statistic 12

Consumer interest in traceable and transparent food products has grown by 45% in the last three years, emphasizing demand for sustainability

Statistic 13

The use of alternative protein sources is expected to grow to a $25 billion market by 2030, driven by sustainability initiatives

Statistic 14

The adoption of renewable energy in food manufacturing facilities can reduce carbon footprints by up to 50%

Statistic 15

Energy efficiency improvements in food manufacturing can reduce overall energy consumption by 25%

Statistic 16

Greenhouse gas emissions from food manufacturing have decreased by 10% over the past decade due to improved practices

Statistic 17

Approximately 50% of food companies have adopted some form of renewable energy

Statistic 18

The adoption of low-impact transportation methods in food distribution can reduce emissions by up to 15%

Statistic 19

The use of digital traceability systems in sourcing can reduce supply chain emissions by approximately 10%

Statistic 20

About 25% of food manufacturing companies are actively involved in carbon offset programs

Statistic 21

Transitioning to plant-based ingredients can cut greenhouse gas emissions from production by up to 80%

Statistic 22

Adoption of natural refrigerants in food manufacturing can reduce greenhouse gases by up to 90%

Statistic 23

Implementing energy-efficient filtration and sterilization technologies can decrease water and energy use by 20-30%

Statistic 24

Food processing industries adopting waste-to-energy technologies can generate enough renewable energy to power up to 15% of their operations

Statistic 25

Around 60% of food manufacturing firms have adopted water-saving technologies, reducing water use significantly

Statistic 26

Improving energy efficiency in cold storage can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, saving costs and emissions

Statistic 27

Nearly 40% of the world's food supply chain emissions are due to transportation, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics

Statistic 28

Around 30% of food produced globally is wasted each year, equating to about 1.3 billion tons

Statistic 29

Approximately 60% of food manufacturing companies have set sustainability targets

Statistic 30

The adoption of circular economy practices in food manufacturing can decrease waste by up to 20%

Statistic 31

About 45% of food industry waste is organic, which can be composted or used for biogas production

Statistic 32

Recycling and reprocessing food industry waste can reduce raw material consumption by 30-50%

Statistic 33

Food industry ESG investments increased by approximately 30% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting a rising focus on sustainability

Statistic 34

40% of fresh produce sold in supermarkets is wasted before reaching consumers, highlighting need for better supply chain management

Statistic 35

The total carbon footprint of the food supply chain could be reduced by up to 50% if all companies adopted best sustainable practices

Statistic 36

By 2030, a projected 1.2 billion tons of food waste could be diverted from landfills through sustainable practices

Statistic 37

The use of blockchain for traceability in food supply chains can reduce food fraud and waste by 20-25%

Statistic 38

The global food industry accounts for approximately 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 39

Food manufacturing is responsible for approximately 18% of the world's industrial water use

Statistic 40

Sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields by 10-20%, contributing to more sustainable food production

Statistic 41

The use of precision farming technology can reduce water use in food production by up to 30%

Statistic 42

Using locally sourced ingredients reduces transportation emissions by approximately 15-20%

Statistic 43

Soil health improvements through sustainable farming can increase carbon sequestration by up to 2-3 gigatons annually

Statistic 44

Use of sustainable aquaculture practices can increase yield efficiency by up to 25%

Statistic 45

Water reuse and recycling in food manufacturing plants can decrease water consumption by up to 40%

Statistic 46

Climate-smart agriculture practices can increase resilience and reduce production costs by up to 20%

Statistic 47

Plant-based alternatives use 90% less water and land compared to traditional meat, contributing significantly to sustainability

Statistic 48

Implementation of sustainable land management reduces soil erosion by over 50%, enhancing long-term productivity

Statistic 49

The use of vertical farming in urban areas can save up to 90% of water compared to traditional agriculture, promoting local sustainable food production

Statistic 50

Sustainable fertilizer use can improve crop yields by up to 15% while reducing nitrogen runoff by 50%

Statistic 51

Sustainable food supply chains can increase resilience against climate change impacts by 25-30%, according to recent studies

Statistic 52

Incorporating regenerative agriculture techniques can restore degraded soils and boost productivity sustainably, with potential carbon sequestration rates reaching 4.5 gigatons per year globally

Statistic 53

Packaging accounts for about 40% of plastic waste worldwide, with food packaging being a significant contributor

Statistic 54

Implementing sustainable packaging can reduce plastic use by up to 60%

Statistic 55

Transitioning to biodegradable or compostable packaging can reduce landfill waste by up to 50%

Statistic 56

Applying eco-design principles to packaging can cut material use by 20-40%

Statistic 57

The global demand for sustainable packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2027

Statistic 58

Using biodegradable plastics in food packaging can reduce microplastic pollution in oceans by up to 70%

Statistic 59

The percentage of food packaging made from recycled materials has increased by 35% over the last five years, indicating a shift towards sustainability

Statistic 60

Sustainable waste management in food manufacturing can cut disposal costs by 15-25%

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Key Highlights

The global food industry accounts for approximately 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions
Around 30% of food produced globally is wasted each year, equating to about 1.3 billion tons
Food manufacturing is responsible for approximately 18% of the world's industrial water use
The adoption of renewable energy in food manufacturing facilities can reduce carbon footprints by up to 50%
Packaging accounts for about 40% of plastic waste worldwide, with food packaging being a significant contributor
Implementing sustainable packaging can reduce plastic use by up to 60%
Approximately 60% of food manufacturing companies have set sustainability targets
The adoption of circular economy practices in food manufacturing can decrease waste by up to 20%
Food manufacturing companies that focus on sustainable sourcing see up to a 15% increase in consumer loyalty
Sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields by 10-20%, contributing to more sustainable food production
The use of precision farming technology can reduce water use in food production by up to 30%
Approximately 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced food products
80% of food manufacturing companies see improved brand image by adopting sustainability initiatives

The food manufacturing industry faces a critical crossroads, with over a quarter of global greenhouse gases originating from this sector, yet innovative sustainability initiatives—from renewable energy adoption to sustainable packaging and circular economy practices—are paving the way for a greener, more responsible future.

Consumer Trends and Market Transformation

Food manufacturing companies that focus on sustainable sourcing see up to a 15% increase in consumer loyalty
Approximately 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainably produced food products
80% of food manufacturing companies see improved brand image by adopting sustainability initiatives
Approximately 68% of consumers globally consider sustainability when choosing food products
The global organic food market is projected to reach $697 billion by 2028, driven largely by sustainability concerns
The implementation of eco-labeling has increased transparency and trust, with 70% of consumers recognizing eco-labels on packaging
The use of alternative proteins (insect, algae) is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% until 2027, driven by sustainability goals
65% of global consumers believe that government policies should support sustainable food practices
Up to 85% of consumers are interested in purchasing from sustainable brands, indicating market growth
Eco-friendly certifications (like Organic, Fair Trade) increase product sales by up to 20%, encouraging wider adoption
Reducing meat consumption globally by 25% could decrease food-related emissions by approximately 4.9 gigatons annually
Consumer interest in traceable and transparent food products has grown by 45% in the last three years, emphasizing demand for sustainability
The use of alternative protein sources is expected to grow to a $25 billion market by 2030, driven by sustainability initiatives

Consumer Trends and Market Transformation Interpretation

Amid rising consumer willingness to pay more, increased transparency, and a booming organic and alternative protein market projected to hit $697 billion by 2028—sustainability isn’t just ethical, it's economics, with industry leaders boosting loyalty and brand image while fighting climate change one eco-label at a time.

Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction

The adoption of renewable energy in food manufacturing facilities can reduce carbon footprints by up to 50%
Energy efficiency improvements in food manufacturing can reduce overall energy consumption by 25%
Greenhouse gas emissions from food manufacturing have decreased by 10% over the past decade due to improved practices
Approximately 50% of food companies have adopted some form of renewable energy
The adoption of low-impact transportation methods in food distribution can reduce emissions by up to 15%
The use of digital traceability systems in sourcing can reduce supply chain emissions by approximately 10%
About 25% of food manufacturing companies are actively involved in carbon offset programs
Transitioning to plant-based ingredients can cut greenhouse gas emissions from production by up to 80%
Adoption of natural refrigerants in food manufacturing can reduce greenhouse gases by up to 90%
Implementing energy-efficient filtration and sterilization technologies can decrease water and energy use by 20-30%
Food processing industries adopting waste-to-energy technologies can generate enough renewable energy to power up to 15% of their operations
Around 60% of food manufacturing firms have adopted water-saving technologies, reducing water use significantly
Improving energy efficiency in cold storage can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, saving costs and emissions
Nearly 40% of the world's food supply chain emissions are due to transportation, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics

Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction Interpretation

While half of food companies are embracing renewable energy and sustainability measures, the industry still faces the challenge that nearly 40% of supply chain emissions stem from transportation—reminding us that going green isn't just a trend but a critical necessity to preserve our planet’s future.

Food Waste Reduction and Circular Economy

Around 30% of food produced globally is wasted each year, equating to about 1.3 billion tons
Approximately 60% of food manufacturing companies have set sustainability targets
The adoption of circular economy practices in food manufacturing can decrease waste by up to 20%
About 45% of food industry waste is organic, which can be composted or used for biogas production
Recycling and reprocessing food industry waste can reduce raw material consumption by 30-50%
Food industry ESG investments increased by approximately 30% between 2020 and 2022, reflecting a rising focus on sustainability
40% of fresh produce sold in supermarkets is wasted before reaching consumers, highlighting need for better supply chain management
The total carbon footprint of the food supply chain could be reduced by up to 50% if all companies adopted best sustainable practices
By 2030, a projected 1.2 billion tons of food waste could be diverted from landfills through sustainable practices
The use of blockchain for traceability in food supply chains can reduce food fraud and waste by 20-25%

Food Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Interpretation

With nearly a third of global food production wasted annually and only 60% of manufacturers targeting sustainability, the industry faces a stark reminder that turning waste into resource—through circular economy practices, organic composting, and better supply chain management—could slash its carbon footprint by up to half and prevent over a billion tons of food from landfills by 2030, proving that profit and planet can truly serve the same plate.

Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Practices

The global food industry accounts for approximately 26% of all greenhouse gas emissions
Food manufacturing is responsible for approximately 18% of the world's industrial water use
Sustainable agriculture practices can increase crop yields by 10-20%, contributing to more sustainable food production
The use of precision farming technology can reduce water use in food production by up to 30%
Using locally sourced ingredients reduces transportation emissions by approximately 15-20%
Soil health improvements through sustainable farming can increase carbon sequestration by up to 2-3 gigatons annually
Use of sustainable aquaculture practices can increase yield efficiency by up to 25%
Water reuse and recycling in food manufacturing plants can decrease water consumption by up to 40%
Climate-smart agriculture practices can increase resilience and reduce production costs by up to 20%
Plant-based alternatives use 90% less water and land compared to traditional meat, contributing significantly to sustainability
Implementation of sustainable land management reduces soil erosion by over 50%, enhancing long-term productivity
The use of vertical farming in urban areas can save up to 90% of water compared to traditional agriculture, promoting local sustainable food production
Sustainable fertilizer use can improve crop yields by up to 15% while reducing nitrogen runoff by 50%
Sustainable food supply chains can increase resilience against climate change impacts by 25-30%, according to recent studies
Incorporating regenerative agriculture techniques can restore degraded soils and boost productivity sustainably, with potential carbon sequestration rates reaching 4.5 gigatons per year globally

Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Practices Interpretation

The food manufacturing industry is both a major contributor to and a critical battleground for sustainability, where innovations like precision farming, plant-based diets, and urban vertical farms can slash water use by up to 40%, cut emissions by nearly a quarter, and help rewrite the recipe for a resilient, environmentally-friendly future.

Sustainable Packaging and Materials

Packaging accounts for about 40% of plastic waste worldwide, with food packaging being a significant contributor
Implementing sustainable packaging can reduce plastic use by up to 60%
Transitioning to biodegradable or compostable packaging can reduce landfill waste by up to 50%
Applying eco-design principles to packaging can cut material use by 20-40%
The global demand for sustainable packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2027
Using biodegradable plastics in food packaging can reduce microplastic pollution in oceans by up to 70%
The percentage of food packaging made from recycled materials has increased by 35% over the last five years, indicating a shift towards sustainability

Sustainable Packaging and Materials Interpretation

With plastic packaging making up nearly half of global plastic waste and innovative solutions reducing material use and landfill disposal significantly, the food industry's shift towards sustainable, biodegradable, and recycled packaging not only reflects a growing demand—projected to grow 5.7% annually—but also offers a crucial chance to curb microplastic pollution and advance environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Waste Management and Circular Economy

Sustainable waste management in food manufacturing can cut disposal costs by 15-25%

Sustainable Waste Management and Circular Economy Interpretation

Implementing sustainable waste management in food manufacturing not only cuts disposal costs by 15-25%, but also signifies a crucial step toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible industry—proving that going green isn't just ethical, it's economical.