Food Loss and Waste, Reducing Hazardous Material, Saving Money
Pollution Prevention in Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Processing
Providing P2 and Food Waste Prevention Support To Processors, Manufacturers and Community Stakeholders in Western Michigan
Central Michigan University and Michigan Sustainable Business Forum are collaborating on a technical assistance program for food and beverage manufacturers. By optimizing production practices, enhancing packaging design, advancing byproduct utilization, and supporting innovative business models, manufacturers can reduce waste at the source while strengthening local and regional food systems.
Inefficiencies in the Supply Chain and Legacy Practices Have A Substantial Economic and Environmental Cost
Each year, approximately one billion dollars of economic value is lost across Michigan’s farms and food manufacturers due to unharvested crops, production inefficiencies, product shrinkage, and supply chain challenges. These losses represent not only missed profit opportunities, but also preventable environmental impacts.
Pollution prevention, defined by the U.S. EPA as reducing or eliminating pollutants and waste at the source, are a proven way to advance these practices in facilities and operations:
- Strengthen a company’s reputation within the community
- Protect public health and natural resources
- Reduce environmental liability
- Lower operating costs related to raw materials, energy, and waste management
- Improve employee engagement and workplace culture
Program Objectives
Onsite Technical Assistance
Selected facilities receive tailored pollution prevention assessments, food waste audits, and training on best practices that reduce waste and optimize resources.
Trainings and Roundtables
Workshops and educational sessions will build awareness and skills related to food waste reduction.
Online Knowledge Platform
We are developing a digital resource hub to share tools, case studies, and training materials with businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
Seeking food and beverage companies, solution providers and community stakeholders
Food processors and manufacturers in the state have significant untapped potential to improve operational efficiency, reduce pollution, and unlock new revenue streams. The initiative is seeking food and beverage companies, solution providers and community stakeholders to support the development of resources and educational opportunities. Complimentary onsite technical assistance from university experts and qualified engineers is also available to qualifying facilities.
This initiative is supported by a grant from the U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention Grant Program Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in collaboration with Central Michigan University.
