New roadmap aims to halve food waste by 2030

A new “roadmap” unveiled by waste reduction body Wrap and food and grocery charity IGD sets milestones for businesses to work throughout the supply chain to tackle the UK’s £20 billion annual food waste bill.

The roadmap aims to ensure the UK meets the global sustainable development goal to halve per capita food waste by 2030.

By next September, it aims to have all large retailers and 50% of other large food businesses set a target to reduce food waste that is in line with or contributes to the global goal, and to be measuring, reporting and taking action on the issue.

By 2026, all large food businesses should have a target to cut food waste from their own operations.

Under the roadmap, companies will also work with their suppliers and help consumers to cut food waste - which currently costs more than £300 per person each year.

Some 89 early adopters, including all the UK’s major supermarkets - as well as food producers, manufacturers, and hospitality and restaurant chains, have committed to the plan.

Environment Minister Therese Coffey said: “I congratulate the businesses stepping up to the plate in this ground-breaking commitment.

“The UK is a global leader in measuring food waste and supporting international food waste prevention projects.

“It is through government, consumers, and businesses working together that we will continue to tackle the unacceptable issue of unnecessary food waste.”