Water

Water reuse in the manufacturing industry

Water availability for food and grocery production and processing is a critical issue following the effects of a continuing drought and low storage levels in many of the country’s rivers and dams. The AFGC view is that there is an under-developed policy regime around water availability and security for the Australian food and grocery industry.

A national policy approach should look beyond the specific company driven initiatives of reducing water demand at a particular site or plant and look at responding to the larger policy debate of ongoing water availability, security and re-use for production of food and groceries for the Australian population.

The food processing industry uses an estimated 215 GL per annum, which equates 1 per cent of Australian water use (agriculture being 66 per cent). While the processing sector uses a comparatively small amount- the nature of the food supply chain inextricably links the two stages. The issue of water efficiency including the contentious issue of water recycling and re-use of water in the food supply chain remains a critical issue going forward for the wider Australian population but more specifically for the associated sectors particularly the food sector.

Our Members are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their water use. To view a case study about Cadbury's Water Reduction Commitment, click on the link below to access our sustainabilityr report.