The carbon footprint of food is a key challenge for companies in regulated markets, but it is also a great opportunity to optimize processes and improve competitiveness.
But do we really know how much our daily choices impact greenhouse gas emissions?
From cultivation to transportation and waste, every food product leaves its mark on the planet.
The collection and management of ESG data are crucial for complying with regulations such as ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and CSRD, ensuring access to regulated markets and mitigating financial and operational risks.
How can we measure and reduce the carbon footprint of what we eat?
We explain which factors influence these emissions and what we can do to reduce them easily and effectively.
The carbon footprint of food is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted throughout its lifecycle.
This includes production, transportation, storage, consumption, and waste.
It is important not to confuse the product's carbon footprint with the corporate carbon footprint.
The first measures the emissions of a specific food product, while the second focuses on the overall impact of a company.
Some foods generate more emissions than others, makes sense, right?
For example, beef has a high carbon footprint due to intensive livestock farming, while legumes and vegetables have a much lower impact.
Each stage in a product's lifecycle generates ESG information that is essential for risk management, cost optimization, and compliance with regulations such as CSRD, SBTi, and ISO.
Accurately measuring these metrics ensures access to regulated markets and reduces financial risks for companies.
Compliance with standards such as ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and CSRD not only helps avoid penalties, but it is also key to ensuring operational viability, access to regulated markets, and sustainable financing sources.
Measuring ESG metrics is not only mandatory for regulatory compliance, but it also improves operational efficiency and facilitates access to strategic markets.
Companies with verifiable ESG metrics meet the requirements of major distributors and international regulations, ensuring their continuity in the supply chain.
Efficient carbon footprint management allows companies to identify inefficiencies in the supply chain and optimize resource use, lowering operational costs.
A company that effectively manages its carbon metrics and regulatory compliance enhances its reputation and gains access to new markets.
There are several ways to calculate the carbon footprint of a food product:
To ensure accurate calculations, you must include both direct and indirect emissions.
This means considering internal manufacturing processes, as well as the emissions generated by transportation or by the product when used.
Additionally, consider the distances traveled and the means of transport and logistics used.
Finally, the type of production is crucial. For example, industrial livestock farming has a much greater impact than organic farming.
day, we have technological solutions like Dcycle that make carbon footprint calculation easier, although it's not a consultancy or an audit firm, but a dedicated platform built for companies
This way, you can easily identify in any stage of your product's lifecycle where you should focus on reducing emissions.
How to apply these solutions in the food industry? The key is to measure, analyze, and act.
Integrating ESG metrics into the food industry allows for cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity in regulated markets.
How and why does this happen? Let’s take a look:
ESG regulations are a mandatory requirement to access strategic markets, avoid penalties, and ensure operational stability in an increasingly regulated environment.
Standards such as ISO 14067 and PAS 2050 establish mandatory criteria for the measurement and reporting of ESG metrics, ensuring regulatory compliance in regulated markets.
ESG compliance not only minimizes legal risks, but also enables financial incentives, improves investor perception, and strengthens stability in global markets.
Regulated markets demand suppliers with verifiable ESG metrics, making their implementation an essential requirement to operate in the global supply chain.
Efficient ESG management enhances operational traceability, optimizes costs, and ensures compliance with requirements in strategic markets.
Optimizing production and logistics processes based on ESG metrics helps reduce operational costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure compliance with market standards.
This not only benefits the business but also improves efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Companies that accurately manage their ESG metrics ensure access to international markets, avoiding regulatory restrictions and improving their global competitiveness.
Major distributors and supermarket chains prioritize suppliers with low carbon emissions.
Additionally, public tenders and trade agreements are increasingly incorporating environmental criteria as a requirement for participation.
Now that we’ve seen the benefits, let’s look at the other side.
Reducing the carbon footprint of food is not an easy task, and we must overcome major obstacles to achieve it.
But what are the main challenges?
Adapting to ESG regulations requires investment in technology, research, and operational optimization to meet market standards.
Since the initial cost is high and, in some cases, seen as an "obligation," many companies still view it as an expense rather than a long-term investment.
Companies often rely on technology and human resources from firms like Dcycle to help with this transition.
Food production and distribution involve multiple stakeholders.
Tracking the environmental impact of each link in the supply chain can be challenging, especially in large markets.
Using traceability solutions and methodologies like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is crucial to obtain accurate data.
Even though ESG regulations are becoming more demanding, many companies still lack proper systems, which limits their competitiveness.
Compliance with ESG standards like CSRD and SBTi not only ensures access to regulated markets, but also reduces financial risks and strengthens operational stability in an increasingly demanding environment.
This lack of knowledge leads to misunderstandings or misconceptions about ESG.
Education and transparency in communication are key to creating a real impact on your business.
Are we ready to take on the challenge?
Measuring the carbon footprint of food is a key requirement in regulated markets and an opportunity to optimize processes, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen a company’s competitive position.
Companies that integrate ESG metrics early will optimize access to financing, reduce regulatory risks, and solidify their market position.
More and more investors and markets demand transparency in ESG metrics, forcing companies to measure and report their impact to remain competitive.
Managing ESG metrics allows businesses to optimize resources, enhance competitiveness, and ensure compliance with key regulations necessary for market access.
Companies that implement ESG metrics within their operational structure avoid penalties, secure access to regulated markets, and reduce financial risks.
How can food sector companies reduce their carbon footprint? Here are key strategies:
Without data, no improvement is possible.
The first step is to calculate the carbon footprint using solutions like Dcycle, which facilitate emissions analysis and identify critical areas.
Additionally, optimizing the supply chain and reducing waste improves operational efficiency and cost savings.
Integrating ESG metrics should be progressive and based on measurable strategic objectives to ensure operational and financial effectiveness.
After reading this article, you might be wondering: Where do I start?
Don't worry, here’s a simple 5-step guide:
Each company must identify critical areas in its ESG metrics to avoid regulatory non-compliance and optimize operational efficiency.
Solutions like:
Allow for accurate measurement of the carbon footprint.
Tools like Dcycle simplify data collection and analysis, making strategic decision-making easier.
Establish realistic, measurable targets to gradually reduce emissions.
Managing ESG metrics requires ongoing monitoring to comply with evolving regulations and maintain market competitiveness.
To calculate the carbon footprint of a food product, it is necessary to analyze its entire life cycle: production, transportation, storage, consumption, and waste.
There are methodologies such as:
These allow for an accurate calculation of emissions.
Digital solutions like Dcycle make it easier to collect data and identify areas for improvement.
Animal-based foods usually have the highest carbon footprint.
On the other hand, legumes, fruits, and vegetables have a lower footprint, especially when they are seasonal and locally produced.
There are several certifications that validate efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of food. Some of the most recognized are:
These certifications not only help with regulatory compliance, but also add brand value and credibility to consumers.
Efficient ESG metric management not only reduces regulatory risks, but also improves operational profitability and facilitates access to strategic financing.
Optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and improving the supply chain not only lowers environmental impact but also reduces operating costs.
With solutions like Dcycle, companies can measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint without requiring large initial investments.
Consumers play a key role. Their buying decisions influence the demand for products with lower environmental impact.
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Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
The most recognized methodologies are:
Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.
Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.
