The Northwest Food Processors Association leadership has identified "Sustainability" as a key strategic priority for the food processing industry.  The initiative started off with the development of a "Sustainability Working Group" given the task to define sustainability with a food industry perspective, guide the development of a framework and necessary resources to help mainstream sustainability throughout the regions food processing industry.  The outcome of the working groups activities will enable food processors engaged at any level of sustainability to readily build, advance their own sustainability plans and policies.  This webspace is designed to be used as a resource for industry sustainability activities.

NWFPA Sustainability Statement

The food processing industry has been and continues to be an integral part of the Northwest Economy for over a century.  Continued viability of our industry will be dependent on the success of our ongoing efforts to address water, energy, safety, community and environmental responsibility.

NWPA has adopted the following widely accepted definition of sustainability

Industry Identified Sustainability Factors

• Availability of resources including water, land and energy to grow and process food products at sustainable rates, quality and cost.
• Positive business and brand recognition associated with products that are considered Sustainable by consumers recognizing sustainability being another factor of consumer purchasing preference
• Challenge and complexity of Sustainability factors along the supply chain.  Including measuring and reporting.
• Management of public, legislative and regulatory issues management around sustainability improvement.
• Sustainability performance can impact the ability of employers to attract and maintain high performance workforce to achieve success.
• Appropriate management of transparency elements by businesses and their communications on sustainability.

Please use this section of the website as a resource for tools, benchmarking assessment and other sustainability needs that pertain to your business.

Sustainability Guide

Take the NWFPA Sustainability Insight Assessment