The UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has launched the 'Every Last Drop' campaign aimed at raising awareness amongst food and drink companies about efficient and sustainable water use throughout the food supply chain.

The campaign is intended to highlight the impact water stress could have on the longer term sustainability of the food and drink industry, and provide practical, easily-accessible guidance on how businesses can be more water efficient.

The Every Last Drop guide provides a series of rules for food and drink manufacturing businesses – tailored for those with boardroom, supply chain and operational roles, to help them manage its use effectively along the supply chain. including as individuals at home.

Developed by the FDF's Water Working Group, Every Last Drop is available to all food and drink businesses, including non-FDF members, and provides downloadable resources in support of the guide's key messages. It also includes a new dedicated water page on FDF's website giving further sources of help and information along with best practice case studies. The Federation is also planning to hold a series of workshops and webinars in the New Year.

Inder Poonaji, chair of FDF's water group and head of safety, health and environmental sustainability at Nestlé UK said:

“This simple guide provides a series of 'golden rules' for food and drink manufacturing businesses of all sizes – tailored for those with boardroom, supply chain and operational roles – on what can be done to save water and manage its use effectively along the supply chain, including as individuals at home. I am convinced that by taking on board these simple tips we can help make a difference to the protection of this precious resource and, in turn, contribute to the longer term sustainability of the food and drink industry. Please therefore keep this guide handy and share it with others in your organisation.”

FDF's Director of Sustainability & Competitiveness, Andrew Kuyk said the campaign had been launched to mark the start of a campaign leading up to World Water day in March next year. Commenting on the publication this week of the Government's Water White Paper, Mr. Kuyk said the Federation welcomed the actions which Government is proposing to take to strengthen the resilience of supplies and deal with a number of legacy issues, particularly in the context of the potential impacts of climate change.