Episode
21

Sustainability Influences on Produce Supply with VP Supply Chain & Sustainability at PMA Ed Treacy

November 10, 2021
|
Duration:
1713609
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell, John Pooley, and Produce Marketing Association (PMA)'s VP Supply Chain and Sustainability Ed Treacy on an episode about sustainability in the produce industry. This episode features examples on how sustainable measures increased productivity, land challenges, recycling infrastructure, US and Canada sustainability differences, carbon footprint food labels, and more.

Highlights

  • Sustainable Production Practices:
    Treacy discusses how produce companies are adopting sustainable practices at every stage, from soil management and water conservation to minimizing pesticide use.
  • Packaging Innovations:
    There is a growing shift toward compostable and recyclable packaging to meet consumer demands and reduce waste. Treacy highlights examples of companies developing innovative packaging solutions.
  • Consumer Awareness and Expectations:
    With increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, the industry faces pressure to be transparent about sourcing, production, and packaging practices.
  • Technology’s Role in Reducing Waste:
    Technology helps minimize food waste through better inventory tracking, optimized transportation, and longer shelf-life solutions. These advancements aid in reducing the overall environmental impact of produce.
  • PMA’s Role in Standardizing Sustainability:
    The Produce Marketing Association is working to set guidelines and encourage collaboration among stakeholders to advance sustainable practices across the industry.

Key Insights

  • Carbon Footprint of Transport and Storage:
    The produce industry’s reliance on cold storage and transportation contributes significantly to its carbon footprint. Treacy stresses the need for efficiency improvements in logistics to reduce emissions.
  • Importance of Water Conservation:
    As produce is water-intensive, conserving water is a major focus in sustainable production. Innovative irrigation and water recycling systems are essential in arid growing regions.
  • Consumer-Driven Sustainability:
    The industry increasingly adopts sustainable practices in response to consumer demand. This trend is driving innovations in packaging, production, and distribution to meet market expectations.
  • Collaboration Across Supply Chain:
    Effective sustainability requires collaboration between growers, suppliers, and retailers. Treacy emphasizes partnerships as crucial for implementing widespread changes and overcoming challenges.
  • Transparency as a Market Advantage:
    Clear communication about sustainable practices can build consumer trust and differentiate brands. As transparency becomes more valued, companies sharing their sustainability journey gain competitive advantages.
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