Is net zero still realistic for UK food manufacturers?

The UK has just come through its hottest summer on record. For food manufacturers, the drought that followed wasn't just a weather story. It was a reminder of how exposed the industry is to a changing climate.

It's the backdrop to Food Manufacture's 2026 Sustainability Report, which asks one of the biggest questions facing the sector: is net zero still achievable?

There's no simple answer. But from our conversations with manufacturers across the UK, one thing is clear. Whatever the targets, they're only as strong as the people delivering them.

What's putting pressure on food manufacturers?

Sustainability used to sit with one team or one report. Now it touches almost every part of a food manufacturing site.

• Water and drought resilience. This summer showed how quickly water can become a risk. Sites that rely on it for cleaning, processing and cooling need a plan for when supply is tight.
• Emissions tracking and reporting. Tighter rules mean manufacturers need accurate data on their emissions, and people who can collect, check and report it.
• Waste and packaging. Changing regulations are pushing businesses to rethink materials, reduce waste and redesign packaging.
• Protecting local ecosystems. Manufacturers are under growing pressure to show they're reducing their impact on the land, water and wildlife around their sites.

Each of these needs investment. But each one also needs the right expertise to turn a target into something that actually happens on the factory floor.

Why sustainability targets come down to people

A net zero commitment looks good in an annual report. Delivering it is a different job entirely.

It takes someone who understands the regulations. Someone who can read a site's energy and water data and spot where savings are. Someone who can bring production, technical and engineering teams along with them.

The manufacturers making real progress aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets. They're often the ones who have put the right people in the right roles, and given them the backing to make changes.

Which skills do food manufacturers need now?

These are the roles we're seeing sustainability reshape most:

• Sustainability and ESG specialists who can turn company-wide targets into site-level plans.
• Packaging technologists who understand changing regulations and can develop more sustainable materials without compromising food safety or shelf life.
• Engineers focused on energy and water efficiency, from utilities and maintenance to continuous improvement.
• Technical and compliance professionals who can manage emissions data and meet new reporting requirements.
• HSE and environmental managers who can protect sites, people and the surrounding environment.

Many of these skills are in short supply. And the people who have them are rarely looking for a new role. They're busy delivering results where they are.

What this means for your hiring plans in 2027

If sustainability is on your agenda for next year, your hiring plans should reflect it. A few things to think about now:

1. Start early. Specialist sustainability and technical roles can take longer to fill. Waiting until a deadline is close puts you under pressure.
2. Look beyond job titles. Some of the best people for these roles won't have "sustainability" in their title. Engineers, technologists and technical managers often have exactly the experience you need.
3. Sell the purpose. Candidates with these skills want to make a real difference. Be clear about your commitments and how much support the role will have.
4. Reach passive talent. The strongest candidates are usually not applying for jobs. You need a way to reach them directly.

The businesses that get this right will be in the best position to hit their targets, whatever happens with net zero.

Frequently asked questions

Is net zero still achievable for UK food manufacturers? It's one of the big questions in Food Manufacture's 2026 Sustainability Report. Progress depends on investment, regulation and, crucially, having skilled people in place to deliver change on site.

How did the 2026 drought affect food manufacturing? The UK's hottest summer on record put pressure on water supplies. It highlighted how much food manufacturers rely on water, and the need to invest in resilience.

What sustainability roles are in demand in food manufacturing? Demand is growing for sustainability and ESG specialists, packaging technologists, energy and water engineers, technical and compliance professionals, and HSE and environmental managers.

How can food manufacturers find sustainability talent? Start planning early, look beyond job titles to transferable experience, and work with a specialist recruiter who can reach candidates who aren't actively looking.

Let's talk about your sustainability hiring

At Oval, we've spent more than 25 years building relationships across the food and drink industry. We know the people who are quietly making a difference on sites up and down the country, and we know how to reach them.

If sustainability is shaping your hiring plans for 2027, get in touch with our team. And if you're a technical, engineering or sustainability professional thinking about your next move, take a look at our latest jobs.

Further reading: UK drought and food supply chains: what it means for hiring in 2026