Why Sustainability Matters in Food and Drink
The Food and Drink (F&D) industry is the beating heart of the UK’s economy, yet it faces unprecedented challenges. This creates an urgent need for decarbonisation, operational optimisation, and innovative solutions.
of British consumers prioritise sustainable food choices.
surge in energy costs since 2021 has left businesses struggling with utility bills and their bottom line.
increases in trade effluent charges over the next three to five years.
of UK food waste (10.7M tonnes) comes from F&D manufacturers.
This is a defining moment for the food and drink industry and Veolia is here to help you lead. Veolia partners with food and drink businesses to unlock sustainability at scale. Whether you're brewing whisky in the Highlands or packaging ready meals in the Midlands, our tailored services help future-proof your operations and lower operational costs.
Working with British F&D manufacturers, we implement practical solutions to significantly lower both carbon footprints and operating costs through smart, tailored energy solutions.
Our energy solutions include heat pumps, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), biomass, Anaerobic Digestion (AD), district heating and cooling, refrigeration optimisation and hybrid options. Through energy audits and real-time monitoring, we help identify opportunities to achieve peak efficiency while boosting sustainability across your production line.
Whether it's to produce high-quality steam for distilling, to control refrigeration for chilled goods, or to optimise an entire energy system, Veolia has helped customers in the F&D industry cut their energy usage by up to 50%. Our site-wide energy optimisation increases self-generated energy capabilities, reducing grid dependency while shrinking your carbon footprint.
Water is essential to food and drink production, but with water scarcity, the industry must think consciously about how it sources, treats, and reuses water. Our cutting-edge recycling and treatment technologies have helped manufacturers reduce water usage by up to 75%, while safely reintegrating 72% of treated wastewater into production processes. We ensure your operations remain resilient against future water challenges while exceeding quality standards.
From producing crisps to processing dairy, our innovative solutions transform wastewater into a valuable resource while helping you meet your environmental goals. Through trade effluent management, industrial wastewater treatment and reuse, plus leak prevention, we help strengthen your water conservation and compliance, ensuring resilience against future challenges.
Industrial Cleaning Services
From jet washing to clean-in-place systems, we ensure hygiene standards while minimising downtime. We will keep your production spotless and efficient. Find out more here.
Facilities Management
Veolia offers integrated services tailored to your needs: building maintenance, HVAC optimisation, mechanical maintenance and consultancy. Explore more here.
Secure Destruction
We securely dispose of sensitive materials, including confidential documents and recalled products, ensuring all-round compliance. We'll support you in safeguarding your intellectual property and consumer trust. Discover more here.
Supporting food and drink manufacturers
Examples of how Veolia’s energy solutions support food and drink manufacturers like you:
"This agreement has been a very positive move for our canning operations and our aim to protect the environment. The new centre provides a further positive move towards increasing efficiency of the site.”
Energy Manager, Kraft Heinz Company Limited
Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Read through our solutions to ensure your business can comply with existing and upcoming packaging legislation.
PlastiLoop
PlastiLoop offers customised plastic compound applications catering to 7 global industries, ensuring products are fully adapted to client and industry-specific requirements.
Recycling Facilities
Our 12 recycling facilities are also strategically located to reduce emissions by processing materials closer to collection points, supporting your businesses no matter where your sites are.
Distilleries & Breweries: Specialist Solutions for a Traditional Industry
Veolia supports Scottish whisky distilleries, English breweries, and UK-wide beverage producers to meet modern energy and water challenges. Whether it's heat recovery, steam optimisation, or zero-waste water treatment, we’ll help you brew and distil more sustainably.
Ready to enhance your food and drink operations? Discover how our tailored solutions can work for you.
