Food industry in Finland is the third largest industrial sector, yet it only accounts for 1.4 percent of the total industrial emissions. A study published in June, titled "Low-Carbon Food Industry 2035," shows that the industry's emissions have decreased by nearly 30 percent in four years.
According to the updated low-carbon roadmap, Finnish food industry has reduced its direct climate emissions by approximately 15 percent and emissions from purchased energy by over 33 percent between 2018 and 2021.
– Emission reductions have progressed faster than anticipated in the first low-carbon roadmap for the industry published four years ago. The prerequisites to achieve carbon neutrality of companies’ own emissions by 2035 are in place, says Satumaija Levón, the Sustainability Director of the Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation.
To achieve low-carbon status, food industry needs public support in adopting solutions that promote zero emissions and in fostering collaboration across the entire food value chain to reduce climate and environmental impacts.
The transition towards low carbon requires investments and adoption of new technologies throughout the food chain. According to companies, challenges include long payback periods for investments and transferring costs into prices.
Finnish food companies are strongly committed to international climate goals and to promoting emission reductions. Transparent and reliable communication of climate impacts requires a consistent calculation model and promotion of data mobility. This information could also be utilized at the EU level to consider national specificities.
Low Carbon Food Industry 2035 (publication in Finnish)
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