Published
April 23, 2026
Food systems contribute around 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while the UK food and drink sector accounted for 158 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2019 – around 22% of the UK carbon footprint.
These statistics emphasise the clear need for a net zero plan. Net zero planning can guide investment, support efficiency and shape a stronger operating model for food and beverage manufacturers that essentially connects climate goals with day-to-day decisions.
Here’s how food and drink businesses can build a practical route towards lower emissions and stronger resilience.
Why Net Zero Planning Matters in Food & Beverage
The Food & Drink Federation states that the UK food and drink manufacturing sector has an ambition to reach net zero by 2040. Individual companies have their own net zero targets, while major supermarkets aim to reach net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 at the latest.
Net Zero planning matters more now as climate action and sustainability efforts are expected. There are both customer and retailer pressures across the supply chain, with an increasing focus on suppliers that can demonstrate lower emissions.
How to Build a Practical Net Zero Plan
A strong net zero plan starts with a clear understanding of emissions across the entire chain. Manufacturers can achieve this with detailed emissions insight, strong leadership commitment, climate action embedded in business decision-making and clear responsibilities across teams.
By looking at both a site-level view and a wider supply chain view, a practical plan can connect the carbon profile of a facility with measurable goals and a realistic pathway for delivery. When energy, packaging, ingredients, waste streams and production demand are all considered within one framework, businesses can focus attention on the areas with the greatest impact.
Where Circular Economy Fits Into Net Zero Planning
Circular economy can play an important role within a net zero plan. In the food and beverage industry, it supports a more efficient use of materials and resources across the life of a product and across the operation of a site.
Packaging and post-consumer waste can be considered as part of the wider emissions picture across the food system. Sector initiatives, such as the UK Plastics Pact and Food Waste Action Week, highlight the importance of a circular economy within the net zero conversation.
Areas such as packaging choices, byproduct use, waste reduction, resource recovery and longer asset life can influence emissions as well as cost. A circular approach can therefore support net zero planning by helping reduce waste intensity and improve the overall efficiency of production.
Energy Strategy for Net Zero Planning
Energy remains one of the clearest areas for action in food and beverage manufacturing. Across a typical site, power supports production lines, cooling systems, processing equipment, lighting and other building services.
Treating energy as a strategic asset can help businesses improve forecasting and reduce exposure to outside variables. As manufacturers move towards stronger energy autonomy at plant level, they can gain more control over operating overhead and site performance.
This matters because energy choices shape both resilience and emissions. Manufacturers need to improve energy efficiency, decarbonise heat processes, source 100% renewable electricity and switch to sustainable refrigerants as part of the path to net zero. Early planning gives manufacturers more room to shape a better long-term energy model.
How Solar PV Supports Net Zero Planning
Solar PV has a clear role within this energy strategy. For food and beverage manufacturers with suitable roof space or land, on-site solar can support lower-carbon electricity use and a stronger level of control over site energy production and consumption.
Solar PV can help reduce purchased electricity, support long-term cost visibility, strengthen progress towards Scope 1 and 2 goals, and contribute to broader ESG targets that connects with day-to-day operations.
Funding routes, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), can also widen access to solar projects. PPAs can help businesses move forward with on-site generation while keeping capital available for other investments across the site.
Bringing Circular Economy & Solar PV Together
A circular economy approach and solar PV support net zero planning in different ways but work well within the same strategy.
Circular economy measures help manufacturers improve the flow of materials through the business. Solar PV supports cleaner site energy and improved energy resilience. When these approaches sit within one streamlined plan, the result is a stronger route towards lower emissions and better operational performance.
Net zero planning becomes more effective when energy, materials and production are considered together. This can help manufacturers prioritise investment and build a sustainability strategy that fully supports their business.
How Noble Green Energy Can Help With Net Zero Planning
Net zero planning for the food and beverage industry works best when it brings together carbon goals, resource efficiency and site energy strategy. It can help improve forecasting, strengthen cost control and guide investment for site infrastructure, including solar PV.
Noble Green Energy are here to help with solar energy requirements, taking site demand data and delivering energy strategies that support facility performance as well as sustainability outcomes. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your solar requirements.
We are also exhibiting at Sustainable Food Factory on 16th June, sharing practical insight into how energy infrastructure and strategy directly impact manufacturing cost, continuity and carbon outcomes.
