Biodiversity is becoming a topic of the future for the food industry – out of ecological responsibility and economic necessity. This is because biodiversity loss not only threatens the natural basis of life, but also economic stability, for example through interrupted supply chains, reduced availability of raw materials or increasing regulatory requirements. At the same time, there is increasing pressure on companies to be transparent about their ecological responsibility.
A new guideline shows companies how they can develop concrete approaches for the protection of biodiversity along the supply chain, in their own operations and in their communication. The guide was developed as part of the “UBi – Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt” project by the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE), the Global Nature Fund and the Lake Constance Foundation.
The guide“Natural Capital as an Economic Foundation” is aimed at companies that recognize their responsibility for biodiversity and want to align their actions accordingly – regardless of whether they have already taken their first steps or are still at the very beginning. It provides a sound overview of the links between biodiversity and the business activities of the food industry.
What ecological risks exist along the supply chain? How can biodiversity aspects be systematically integrated into operational activities? The guide answers these and other questions. It sheds light on political and regulatory requirements and highlights practicable strategies, standards and forms of cooperation. Specific examples of implementation show best practices from companies such as KuchenMeister, Schwartauer Werke, Nestlé and Mondelēz.
The complete guide “Natural capital as an economic basis – What companies in the food industry can do to protect biodiversity” is available to download as a PDF.
Information on biodiversity management for companies can be found here.
Further information on the “UBi – Unternehmen Biologische Vielfalt” project can be found here.