Food and drink

Information and advice for those working in the food and drink industry or manufacturing food and drink products, including businesses that hold an environmental permit.

The food and drink sector is the largest industrial sector in the UK in terms of turnover. It uses large amounts of water and energy, and produces a lot of waste. Although its emissions are largely organic in nature and mostly biodegradable it still has a significant environmental impact.

Help your business avoid and deal with pollution incidents using our 10-point checklist, Pollution Prevention Pays pack and Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs).

Environmental permitting for the food and drink sector

You may need an environmental permit for the activities your business does. Find out if you need an environmental permit for your business and how to apply.

Environmental management

Information and tools to help you put effective environment management into action on your site. 

Resource efficiency

Environment Agency advice and guidance to help your business improve resource efficiency

Resource efficiency support available from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

Tools and support from WRAP on waste prevention and recycling, water efficiency and industrial symbiosis tailored to the food and drink manufacturing and retail sectors.

Prevent pollution

Good practice advice to help your business avoid and deal with pollution incidents. Use our 10-point checklist, Pollution Prevention Pays pack and Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs).