There have been various approaches that are applied to attain sustainability in the food industry. Industry-academia collaboration is one of them
The concept of sustainability in the food industry has been around for quite some time, gaining increasing attention and importance over the past few decades. While it’s not a new term, its importance has grown significantly as concerns about environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social equity have become more prominent. Historically, agricultural practices were often focused solely on maximising yields and profitability without much consideration for the long-term impacts on the environment or society. However, there has been a shift towards more sustainable approaches to food production, processing, and distribution. Experts maintain that Industry-academia collaboration will play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of the food industry. Let’s take a closer look at how academia and industry can tackle issues like food safety, innovation, technology adoption, sustainability, and food security, which are critical for the Indian food industry.
There have been various approaches that are applied to attain sustainability in the food industry. Industry-academia collaboration is one of them. A very recent example in this regard could be the partnership between Herbalife India, a global health and wellness company, and the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). This partnership has established a cutting-edge Supply Chain Sustainability Lab. The effort aims to advance sustainable supply chain practices, dissemination, and advocacy through research and development initiatives.
A core focus of the Supply Chain Sustainability Lab’s mission is empowering businesses through the development and implementation of practical tools. These first-of-their-kind tools include the Transportation Emission Measurement Tool (TEMT), which measures emissions across various transportation modes. Companies can leverage this data to make informed decisions that minimise their carbon footprint. Complementing TEMT is the Carbon Accounting Tool, specifically designed for the Indian market which calculates Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This provides businesses, particularly MSMEs, with a comprehensive environmental assessment. In the last year, the lab benefitted 100+ organisations with its tools.
Uday Prakash, Vice President, Operations and Finance, Herbalife India said, “Our partnership with IIMB is a cornerstone of Herbalife India’s commitment to sustainability. This collaboration is consistent with our commitment to sustainability and to playing our role in driving positive change. We’re developing innovative solutions, like closed-loop packaging systems, to create a more sustainable future. By leveraging successful case studies, implementing impactful tools, and collaborating with industry leaders, we’re adapting best practices to suit the Indian context. Additionally, strategic collaborations with like-minded organisations have facilitated knowledge-sharing and collaborative research projects, contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainable supply chain practices. To read more click on the link:https://nuffoodsspectrum.in/e-magazine