Sustainable Food Factory 2026 | Food & Drink Network UK

Accelerating Net Zero from Plant Floor to Supply Chain

The UK food and beverage manufacturing and processing sector stands at a critical crossroads.

Driven by increasing uncertainty around energy costs, mounting customer expectations and increasingly complex supply chains, net zero is becoming a fundamental operational necessity.

Following a second successful event last year, Sustainable Food Factory returns to Derby Arena on 16 June to provide the roadmap for this transition.

Organised by Curious Heads Media, the event has established itself as the UK’s premier forum for manufacturers and processors committed to embedding sustainability into the fabric of their operations.

As a focused, one-day event, it is designed specifically to help accelerate the decarbonisation of both the site, line and wider supply chain.

The Execution Phase of Net Zero

While many organisations have successfully established ambitious carbon-neutral targets, the industry has now moved into a critical execution phase.

Manufacturers are under increasing scrutiny to provide transparent data and tangible results to stakeholders.

This event serves as a vital touchpoint for those moving beyond the planning phase, offering a collaborative environment where industry leaders can share the practical successes and specific hurdles encountered on the journey to net zero.

A Holistic Strategy for Scope 1, 2 and 3

Achieving true sustainability requires more than just high-level goals; it requires a granular understanding of emissions.

Sustainable Food Factory is tailored for senior-level professionals across operations, engineering, energy, supply chain, procurement, and ESG roles.

The comprehensive seminar programme and exhibition are built to deliver actionable strategies and connections for reducing Scope 1 and 2 and the often-elusive Scope 3 emissions.

The seminar sessions will move beyond the "why" and focus on the "how" - featuring expert presentations and interactive panel debates that address the unique hurdles faced by the sector.

Key themes include:

Energy Evolution: Advanced procurement strategies and the integration of on-site renewables.
Thermal Efficiency: Transitioning to low-carbon technologies for energy-intensive processes like heating, cooling, and industrial refrigeration.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Gaining essential insights into Scope 3 reduction through better data sharing and partner engagement.

The Power of Co-Location

A standout feature of the 2026 event is its continued co-location with Food+Beverage Engineering.

This synergy ensures a holistic approach to the factory environment. By integrating specialist content for maintenance and reliability engineering professionals, the event acknowledges that sustainability is impossible without operational efficiency.

Attendees will be able to explore how process optimisation and equipment reliability directly support decarbonisation - proving that a well-maintained, efficient plant is naturally a more sustainable one.

Innovation in Practice

The exhibition floor serves as a vital touchpoint for discovery, allowing visitors to engage directly with suppliers of engineering, energy, and automation solutions.

From advanced sensors to solar PV, exhibitors will showcase the technologies essential for reducing operational overhead and accelerating decarbonisation.

Whether managing an SME or a multinational, the day delivers actionable insights and peer-to-peer learning. It is a strategic opportunity to step away from daily production pressures to focus on operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Food Factory 2026 is free to attend for all food and beverage manufacturing and processing professionals.

It promises a day of intense insight, high-level networking, and practical solutions for the sector.