The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) has highlighted steps local food and drink manufacturers are taking to enhance sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint, as the Northern Ireland Assembly debates the Climate Change Bill.

Michael Bell, NIFDA Executive Director, said:

“Food and drink companies across Northern Ireland have already demonstrated commitment to sustainability with initiatives to lower their carbon footprint, reduce packaging and eliminate waste. As a society we have a responsibility to tackle emissions and minimise our impact on the environment, and we welcome the Climate Change Bill’s objective of making businesses and society more resilient, sustainable and resource efficient.

“We welcome Minister Poots’ commitment to green growth and to unlocking the opportunities that this approach will deliver, both for the food and drink industry and the wider local economy. We have fed into the department’s consultation on climate change – it is vital that any legislation is workable on the ground, and as an industry stand ready to work with government to develop practical solutions to the challenge of climate change. Through our NIFDA environment and packaging forums, we have been working hard on these issues to ensure we reduce emissions and enhance sustainability as our industry continues to grow from strength to strength.”