Pillar 4: Food waste

Ambition: Halve per capita food waste by 2030, contributing to UN SDG 12.3 and the Courtauld 2030 commitment

Globally, around one third of all food produced is wasted. This has a substantial environmental impact, accounting for 8-10% of total global GHG emissions and leading to excess pressure on land, nature and water resources.

Food waste also has significant economic and social dimensions - 2.4 billion people are facing food insecurity in a world where plenty of food is produced.

As part of Agenda 2030, the UN therefore included a target to halve global per capita food waste in its Sustainable Development Goals (12.3). This target has been incorporated within WRAP’s Courtauld Commitment 2030 for the UK food sector, of which FDF is a signatory.

Why action is needed

Food waste occurs across the supply chain. In the UK, 18% occurs during the manufacturing stage.

Under existing regulations, food companies must take reasonable measures to first prevent food waste and then to reduce it. Since 2007, food and drink manufacturers have already achieved a 34% reduction, putting the sector on track to reach a 50% per capita reduction by 2030.

However, there has been limited progress elsewhere in the food supply chain, particularly in reducing household food waste.

18%

of food waste occurs during the manufacturing stage

34%

reduction in food waste by food & drink manufacturers since 2007

Taking action

FDF members are at different stages of their sustainability journeys in how they are tackling food waste. Ambition 2030 addresses this by demonstrating how each business can progress from their current position.

Building a food waste roadmap

FDF recommends members follow IGD’s strategic framework for building a sustainability Roadmap, taking action across these key areas: measure, target, implement, finance, and communicate and advocate.

View the full pillar overview