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Food waste in the UK.

A global problem.

Food waste is a significant global problem, accounting for 8-10% of global greenhouse gases (UN data). If food waste were a country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind the USA and China (Resource: Action on food waste). Within the UK, significant progress has been made but food waste from all sectors is still around 10.7 million tonnes (Mt). For households and businesses, 70% was intended to be consumed by people (30% being the ‘inedible’ parts).

The food that could have been eaten (6.4 Mt) would make the equivalent of over 15 billion meals – enough to feed the entire UK population 3 meals a day for 11 weeks. (Resource: Action on food waste)

Find out more about food waste

Looking to 2030.

The food industry is committed to reducing waste, with many companies signed up to the Courtauld Commitment 2030, with a target to reduce carbon emissions from food waste by 2030. We at Company Shop Group were a founding signatory.

As climate change moves higher up the agenda and consumers become more conscious in their efforts to be sustainable, manufacturers and retailers are under ever increasing pressures to meet consumer expectations. Using tools such as the food waste hierarchy, and methods such as redistribution to reduce waste by diverting surplus to those who need it most, has a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and steps the industry closer to meeting 2030 targets.

The food waste hierarchy.

The food waste hierarchy was created by WRAP specifically to support the food & drink industry and create clearer guidance on how businesses should deal with their waste; it is a legal guidance in the UK to follow these principles. Prevention is top of the hierarchy, closely followed by redistribution as the key methods for reducing waste and ensuring it goes to people as originally intended – ultimately, feeding people first.

At Company Shop Group, we’re able to support partners with both prevention and redistribution for any surplus stock, ensuring businesses can demonstrate their efforts in following the food waste hierarchy and deliver tangible results against their sustainability goals.

Find out how we can help you