UK's major retailers to step up war on food waste

The UK’s major supermarkets and discounters have signed up to a brand new commitment to drive down the 10 million tonnes of food that is wasted in the UK each year.

Developed with IGD and Wrap, the ground-breaking industry Food Waste Reduction Roadmap asks participating large businesses to set new food waste targets, measure and share their learnings and act to reduce food waste in their own operations.

The Roadmap also sets out how these businesses can support their suppliers and how to engage with consumers to help reduce their food waste.

Just under 90 early adopters, including food producers, manufacturers, and hospitality and food service companies, are already on board and by September 2019, the aim is to have 50% of the UK’s largest 250 food businesses measuring, reporting and acting on food waste.

By 2026, it is hoped that all 250 companies will also be doing so.

To make this happen, the Roadmap is published with a wide range of new resources to enable businesses to act consistently, and support work already underway by many companies through setting out a clear collaborative journey the whole industry can follow.

Each year the UK racks up a £20bn food waste bill, equivalent to more than £300 per UK citizen.

Following the Roadmap would “significantly accelerate” work to achieve the Courtauld 2025 target of cutting food waste by 40% and the Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 target of a 50% reduction by 2030, Wrap said.

IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch added: “UK shoppers see industry food waste at the top of their priorities and by working together with the total food chain, we’re delighted to have secured a world first, with the UK leading the way in this important area.

“As a result, I’m confident we will see continued momentum on this high profile initiative.”

Businesses wishing to access the free resources and find out more about the using the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap should click here.