According to a recent Envirowise survey carried out by Ipsos MORI, around half (49%) of small and medium sized food and drink businesses need practical help with waste minimisation issues such as reducing water use.
Around two thirds of food and drink companies (65%) consider the reduction of waste to be an important issue, according to the survey of small and medium-sized businesses. However, when it comes to implementing change, 49% say they need practical help.
This new research is released as food and drink companies – which use an estimated 300 million m3 of water a year– face concerns over reduced rainfall and the impact of potential drought orders.
In the light of this, Envirowise is urging food and drink companies across the UK to take advantage of its free advice to help them reduce water consumption. Taking action will also help the industry meet its national target set by the government's Food Industry Sustainability Strategy to cut water use by 10-15% by 2020 and by 20-25% in the South East of England.
And with 42% of survey respondents stating that they prefer to source information on reducing waste via the internet, accessing online resources is a logical place to begin.
For instance, Envirowise's online water tools allow businesses to record and keep track of how much water is being used, benchmark against competitors and offer practical advice and guidance on reducing consumption.
Businesses that are interested in investing in sustainable products and technologies can also benefit from the online Water Technology List (WTL). The WTL offers a real incentive for businesses to invest in technologies that promote the efficient use of water by offering tax relief through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme.
Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise Programme Director commented: "Our research has shown that the issue of waste is important to most businesses and companies should take advantage of the free advice available to help them improve resource efficiency.
"With the risk of severe drought looming in parts of the UK, food and drink manufacturers simply cannot afford to ignore the consequences of potential water shortages, yet some are still pouring money down the drain through inefficient use of water. By putting into place simple water management techniques, businesses can often make savings of around 30 per cent on water and effluent bills."
To access any of Envirowise's on-line water resources, the Envirowise water page. Businesses seeking advice on resource efficiency can also call the free Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Notes to Editors:
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit the Envirowise page or call 0800 585 794.
About the research
The 'Awareness and Uptake of Environmental Services Tracker' was commissioned by Envirowise and conducted by MORI during April and May 2006. A total of 751 telephone interviews were carried out via CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) with senior members (Chairmen, CEOs, directors/facilities or operation managers) of SMEs (companies which have 10-250 employees) across Great Britain, from ten different industry sectors (Commerce, Construction, Engineering & Foundries, Food & Drink, Metal finishing, Printing, Speciality chemicals, Plastics, Electronics and Retail). More details are available on request.