Zurich: A landmark partnership between Swiss tech titans xFarm Technologies and Bühler is set to revolutionize sustainability in the agri-food sector, promising to bring unprecedented transparency and environmental accountability to the global food supply chain.
xFarm Technologies, a leader in agricultural digitalization, and Bühler, a global powerhouse in food processing technology, are joining forces to tackle the critical issue of Scope 3 emissions – those generated from farm to shelf – which account for a staggering 70-90% of the food industry’s carbon footprint.
The collaboration will leverage xFarm’s expertise in farm-level data collection, using its advanced platform to track agricultural activities and their environmental impact. Coupled with Bühler’s Environmental Quantification Services, which measure sustainability footprints during food processing, the partnership will provide food companies with a comprehensive, data-driven view of their environmental performance.
“I am delighted to see the formation of this partnership,” said Ian Roberts, CTO of Bühler. “Our first contact was in 2018, and since then xFarm Technologies has grown significantly in capability and reach. They can play an important role in supporting our customers to understand the impact of their agricultural footprint.”
The partnership aims to equip food companies with the tools to monitor sustainability metrics across the entire supply chain, from raw material cultivation to final retail. This will enable businesses to pinpoint major emission sources and implement effective reduction strategies, aligning with Bühler’s ambitious “50-50-50” goals, which target a 50% reduction in waste, energy consumption, and water usage.
This data-driven approach will empower food companies to quantify emissions and water use, enhancing transparency, traceability, and ultimately, the value of their products. By providing precise primary data, the partnership will help businesses move beyond mere pledges and implement tangible, measurable changes.
The collaboration comes at a crucial time, as global consumers increasingly demand sustainable and ethically sourced food products. By bridging the gap between farm-level data and processing technology, Bühler and xFarm Technologies are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the global food industry.
