The Consumer Goods Forum’s Food Waste Coalition has joined forces with Capgemini to tackle food waste head-on. Their report, Turning Waste into Value: A Blueprint for Collective Food Waste Transformation, presents a new way for businesses to view food waste—not just as a problem, but as a chance for innovation and growth.
Food waste is a big issue. About one-third of the food produced globally, around 1.3 billion tonnes, is lost or wasted each year. This not only costs the economy about $940 billion but also contributes to 3.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. If food waste were a country, it would rank third in carbon footprint, behind China and the U.S.
The report suggests a two-part solution. First, businesses need to improve how they produce and consume food, encouraging practices that reduce waste. Second, unavoidable food waste can be transformed into new products or applications. To guide this process, the report offers a three-stage playbook that helps companies create strong foundations for waste reduction through collaboration and consumer engagement.
Best practices from companies like Kraft Heinz, Tesco, and Walmart show that effective initiatives can cut food waste significantly. These efforts average 6.9 kilograms of waste per tonne handled, with some strategies leading to reductions of more than 10%, saving both costs and emissions.
Experts agree that tackling food waste is essential for sustainability. According to a recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization, improving food systems could foster economic growth while better protecting the environment. Addressing food waste is not just about saving money; it’s about creating a greener future for all.
The coalition aims to unite various players in the food industry to bring about systemic change. By sharing knowledge and strategies, they hope to inspire action that benefits both businesses and the planet. For more detailed insights, you can read the report here.
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