Food and drink businesses have saved £2.2m by reducing their water consumption.
The voluntary agreement, Federation House Commitment (FHC) run by WRAP, aimed at helping food and drink manufacturers reduce their water consumption, also delivered savings of 1.5 million mᵌ in the last year.
It said that the 16.1% reduction in water use has been achieved through activities such as water reuse, improved efficiency in cleaning operations and innovations in water using products like taps.
The whole industry target is set to reduce water consumption of 20% by 2020. The amount of water saved between 2007 and 2012 is 7.4 million mᵌ; this could fill nearly 3,000 Olympic-size swimming pools.
There are now 71 active signatories across 294 sites signed up to the agreement, including members of Dairy UK, who became an official partner in 2012.
Dr Richard Swannell, director, WRAP, said: “It’s great news, the latest results show that signatories are continuing to have a significant impact. By bringing the industry together through the Federation House Commitment we are able to help achieve collective action which has seen significant financial and environmental savings. The actions of signatories are also making a considerable contribution towards meeting the whole industry target of 20% by 2020.”
Andrew Kuyk, director of sustainability at Food and Drink Federation said: “The Federation House Commitment is central to our efforts to help members achieve the water savings which are vital for their businesses, for the environment and for the communities in which they operate. It is an excellent example of voluntary collaboration under WRAP’s independent and authoritative leadership and we look forward to further progress in the year ahead.”
