We have to be smarter about water us in the food industry

Clean water is becoming increasingly scarce, even in the Netherlands. This is a growing challenge for the food industry, a major consumer of drinking water. Rabobank has mapped out the challenges surrounding water usage based on discussions with entrepreneurs, advisors, and water experts. This article highlights the need for smarter water use in the food industry.

Availability and quality under pressure

The demand for drinking water continues to rise, while the availability of groundwater and surface water is declining. This is already causing problems in regions like West Brabant and parts of the northern and eastern Netherlands, where new water connections can no longer be taken for granted. On top of this, water quality is deteriorating due to salinization and leaching, increasing the urgency to act.

Climate change is exacerbating these challenges. During droughts or other extreme weather conditions, companies may face restrictions on their water access. This has direct consequences for production processes, which often depend on a stable water supply.

Circular water use offers opportunities

Rabobank stresses that water savings alone are not enough. Companies need to adopt circular water use to reduce their reliance on external water supplies. Technologies such as water purification, rainwater harvesting, and reuse within production processes can achieve significant reductions in overall water consumption.

However, the implementation of these solutions lags behind. Low drinking water prices and the long payback periods of investments present obstacles for many businesses. Smaller companies, in particular, struggle to take the necessary steps. Meanwhile, supply chain partners, such as supermarkets, are increasingly raising questions about sustainable water use. This underscores that taking action is unavoidable.

5 steps to gaining control over water use

• Create a plan and take the first step. Assess your water challenges, their urgency, and how to optimize your water usage.
• Imagine where you want to be in ten years. Invest in circular water use and make use of technical innovations. Consider other resources and energy challenges as well. Think circular and explore opportunities to collaborate with others.
• Leverage the knowledge available in your network, within trade organizations, or through advisors.
• Explore collaboration with nearby companies if short-term investments are too high to bear alone. Alternatively, join a water-focused initiative, such as the Waterbank.
• Make use of available subsidies and tools. There are increasing opportunities, such as these funding options.

Rabobank.nl