The importance of sustainability within the food and beverage industry is at the forefront of our minds more than ever before. Here Cashmere Systems release their food and beverage sustainability solutions that are predicted to transform the sector in 2021.

1. Reducing Food Waste

With the threat of climate change and food insecurity, addressing how to reduce food waste is certainly going to be an important challenge this year. According to the UN Environment Programme, around 1/3rd of all the food produced in the world for human consumption – 1.3 billion tonnes of it – becomes lost or wasted. This has led many food and beverage manufacturers to invest in software which can help them develop a zero-waste supply chain. Demand planning software that’s been specifically developed for the food and beverage supply chain, can work to reduce waste by delivering accurate, precise demand forecasts.

Other manufactures are committed to upcycling, to reduce waste. And ‘wonky vegetable’ products in supermarkets are certainly an innovative way to reduce waste. Interestingly, a recent study from Future Market Insights found that the food waste industry is thriving; worth $46.7 billion in 2019 and it has a predicted CAGR of 5% over the next ten years.

2. Packaging

In 2021 more food and beverage manufactures are taking stock of their packaging materials. There will be an increased emphasis on the use of sustainable packaging, with many companies starting to use compostable, recycled or biodegradable materials, which will arise from the proliferation of eco-conscious consumers. About 50%of the digital consumers Global Web Index interviewed in the UK and U.S. said they consider the environment when they make a purchase decision. With green consumerism on the rise, food and beverage manufacturers will find success if they can meet the sustainability demands of their customers.

3. Making Supply Chains Sustainable 

According to recent research by Forbes, 60% of consumers buy products and services from companies that they believe are socially and environmentally responsible. So in 2021 more food and beverage manufacturers will be striving to make their supply chains entirely sustainable. Food manufacturing software can be a vital tool in developing a supply chain sustainability strategy, whereby companies can evaluate and elect sustainable ingredients, and make their procedures, transport, and communications entirely sustainable.

Artificial Intelligence technologies, and machine learning tools, which powers food technology software, can also enable manufacturers to improve food security across the whole supply chain. Traceability software is important too. Supply chain traceability—the process of identifying and tracking a product from “farm to fork”, can can serve to verify certain sustainability claims about commodities and products. 

In conclusion, the global COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed consumer perceptions of sustainability. Businesses can take action – and reassure consumers - by investing in food manufacturing and food distribution software which can provide strong sustainability solutions. If your food and beverage company is looking to scale and grow via ERP solutions, traceability and demand planing software, and meet all the FDA requirements, get in touch with Cashmere today.