News

Nearly 40 of the largest food and drink companies have signed up to the Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) Environmental Checklist and Clause for Greener Food Transport.

The ten point checklist covers areas such as maximising vehicle loading, vehicle emissions standards, reducing empty running, avoiding difficult routes and the use of rail and shipping.

It aims to reduce environmental and social impacts of domestic food transport by 20% by 2012 compared to 2002.

The companies that have signed up include: Associated British Foods, Birds Eye, Britvic, Cadbury, Danone Waters UK, Elizabeth Shaw, GlaxoSmithKline, Kellogg's, Kraft Foods, Mars UK, McCain Foods, Tate & Lyle and United Biscuits.

Fiona Dawson, managing director of Mars UK, said: "By maximising load fill, minimising journey distances, increasing fuel efficiency and where possible shifting from road to rail - Mars UK is committed to achieving a 20% reduction of carbon dioxide from transport by 2010."

The friendlier food miles initiative is part of FDF's Five-fold Environmental Ambition which sets out the five areas where food and drink companies feel they can make a real difference to the environment.

Launched in October 2007, the goal is for FDF members to reduce their environmental impact in the key areas of carbon dioxide emissions, water, food waste, packaging, and food transport.