{"id":88155,"date":"2025-09-02T18:01:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T17:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smeclimatehub.org\/?p=88155"},"modified":"2025-09-02T18:01:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T17:01:49","slug":"sme-climate-hub-and-walmart-launch-new-resources-for-food-beverage-manufacturing-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smeclimatehub.org\/fi\/sme-climate-hub-and-walmart-launch-new-resources-for-food-beverage-manufacturing-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"SME Climate Hub and Walmart launch new resources for food & beverage manufacturing sector"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Clif Family Winery, the Napa Valley-based purveyor of organically farmed wine & small batch food, started their climate journey with a question: how could they reduce their carbon footprint while preserving product quality and brand identity?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One proposed solution was switching to lighter packaging. But in the wine industry, traditionally a heavier glass bottle is seen as a sign of premium quality. So the possibility of switching to lighter glass first came with some internal resistance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, after trialing a lightweight alternative, the pros clearly outweighed the cons: the lighter glass could potentially reduce the carbon footprint of a single bottle by 40%. By switching to a lighter bottle, Clif reduced the weight of a case of wine by eight pounds, cut transportation costs and created a new packaging look that resonated with their customers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may seem like a small change, but for Clif, it\u2019s an important step in their journey to meeting their goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and achieving net zero emissions before 2050. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why focus on food & beverage manufacturing?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Within the food system, which is responsible for over 30% of global emissions, food processors and manufacturers like Clif are uniquely positioned to drive emissions reductions across the food supply chain. Farming, food production, transportation, and waste disposal all impact not only carbon emissions, but also food security and public health.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collectively, small businesses have a big impact. By making simple changes to reduce their emissions \u2013 like Clif Family Winery\u2019s shift to a lighter glass bottle \u2013 they can help slow emissions from the food system, reducing ongoing and future risks such as supply chain disruptions, rising food costs, threats to farmer livelihoods, and food safety concerns for consumers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many SMEs in this sector face resource and knowledge gaps that prevent them from taking meaningful climate action. In a survey earlier this year, 41% of SMEs told us<\/a> that to take greater climate action, they need industry-specific guidance or solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are we doing about it?<\/strong> <\/h1>\n\n\n
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That\u2019s why the SME Climate Hub has partnered with Walmart to launch a new, dedicated<\/strong> Food and Beverage Sector Space<\/strong><\/a>, which includes sector-specific action courses designed to empower SMEs in the food processing and manufacturing sector with the knowledge and resources they need to cut emissions and build more sustainable businesses.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funded in part by a grant from Walmart, this initiative underscores the commitment of Walmart and the SME Climate Hub to drive real impact within supply chains, ensuring SMEs have the support they need to take meaningful climate action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in the <\/strong>Food and Beverage Sector Space?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Food and Beverage Sector Action Checklist:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n