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Swedish food and beverage companies unite to meet global water challenges

Swedish food and beverage companies unite to meet global water challenges

With climate change, increasing industrial activity and population pressures, the global food industry faces major risks, both in terms of access to water and good water quality. Therefore, a new network is now being started with Swedish food and beverage companies that want to use water in a more responsible way, at the supplier level and in their own production. The network is led by Swedish Water House at Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

The goal of the collaboration is for the food industry to be able to more easily identify the best way to handle water in cultivation and processing in countries that are facing increasing water challenges. The company collaboration includes Axfood, Axfoundation, Coca-Cola Enterprises Sweden, Hermansson & Co., ICA, Nestlé, Lantmännen, Livsmedelsföretagen, Santa Maria and Systembolaget.

– Today’s value chains are complex and it is difficult to influence water use at farm level, where the largest proportion of water is used. Long-term, sustainable use of water can only be achieved through close collaboration with suppliers and producers, says Kerstin Lindvall, head of sustainability at ICA.

In 2015, the companies within the network will analyze and compare a dozen water-related standards and measurement tools. A common approach to the water issue has many advantages. Companies can save resources while facilitating the situation for suppliers who have many different requirements to deal with.

– It is important that each company starts from its situation and reviews what measures and steps can be taken in production and supply chain to reduce water consumption and work for sustainable development. Today, many people do not have access to clean water and it is therefore high time that we act, emphasizes Marie Louise Elmgren, Corporate Communication Manager, Nestlé.