Envirowise offers a recipe for cost savings

A major national event to be held at the Birmingham NEC in February 2006 is set to show food and drink businesses the benefits of improving their environmental performance – and how they could save up to £1,000 per employee in the process.

Run by government-funded programme Envirowise, the Food Environmental Efficiency Day (FEED) will enable the food, drink, hotel and catering industries to access free, sector-specific advice on how they can reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

Interactive workshops will cover a range of subjects including waste and water minimisation, packaging optimisation, energy efficiency and freight operational efficiency. Businesses can also access confidential, one-to-one advice with an Envirowise advisor by visiting drop-in clinics available throughout the day.

In addition, FEED will feature short presentations on key industry issues. Speakers include representatives from the Environment Agency, the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme and the Food Processing Faraday Partnership.

Envirowise will highlight money saving opportunities such as the Big Splash programme and Water Technology List. And a keynote speech will be delivered by Defra on their forthcoming Food Industry Sustainability Strategy, with a particular focus on the food processing industry.

Furthermore businesses will be able to meet with trade associations, business support organisations and other key stakeholders in an exhibition area.

Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise Programme Director, said: "FEED will provide delegates with practical advice from a range of industry experts all under one roof. It will be an excellent first step for businesses looking to cut waste and boost profits, and should not be missed.

"With legislative pressures and demands for good environmental credentials from customers and stakeholders on the increase, businesses should be aware of the potential savings that can be made by adopting a systematic approach to environmental management."

The Food Environmental Efficiency Day will take place on 14 February 2006, at the NEC, Birmingham. Businesses can book their place at the event by logging on to www.envirowise.gov.uk/feed.