Reducing food waste

Fighting food waste on a global scale.

We are experiencing a global food waste crisis. The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 is to halve food waste by 2030, but to achieve this, significant action is needed.

WRAP’s aim is to develop a circular economy that will transform the way we produce, consume and dispose of food, by preventing waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and redistributing surplus food to those who need it.

WRAP have a long and proven history of fighting food waste on a global scale. We bring organisations together to amplify collective action, and through our Target, Measure, Act methodology we are helping food and drink supply chains take targeted action.

Why action is needed?

1.3 billion metric tons
At least 1.3 billion metric tons of food is wasted globally each year.
8-10%
Food waste is estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to contribute 8-10% of total man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Progress and impact

  • The pathway to selling more uncut fruit and veg loose

    In the UK, about 70% of wasted food comes from the home, with fresh fruit and veg being the main offenders. Selling fruit and veg loose in supermarkets will also lead to significant reductions in the amount of hard to recycle plastic we put in our bins. We are working with industry to transform our fruit and veg isles by implementing these changes.

  • Food date labelling

    Our guides are helping food retailers communicate consistent, clear advice around how to manage and store food at home. Changing the behaviour of their customers for the better by throwing away less food.

  • Food Waste Reduction Roadmap Progress Report 2021

    The report details how businesses, working with the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, have implemented strategies that have helped save 251,000 tonnes of food worth £365 million from waste.

  • Household Food and Drink Waste in the UK 2022

    Findings in the Household Food and Drink Waste Report help us understand where to target action. It also encourages stakeholders to act now on food waste by showing that maximum impact can be achieved through both supply chains and household actions.

  • The Courtauld Commitment 2030 Milestone Report 2023

    Discover how food and drink businesses are successfully reducing food waste, GHGs, water stress, and where we need to scale action.

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Let’s transform the food system together.

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