Waste watchers

The grocery sector has a key role to play in helping to reduce this waste, as highlighted by the Government’s Strategy Unit report, ‘Food Matters: Towards a Strategy for the 21st Century’, published in July this year. This document reveals opportunities for innovative packaging solutions which carry clear consumer guidance on key issues such as storage temperature or storage location and freezing options. Advice can be particularly helpful for fresh fruit and vegetables, which can last longer when kept in the fridge, and bakery items, which can often be frozen.

Producers, manufacturers and retailers can also review the way they use date labels. Many are already working with Wrap and the Food Standards Agency to increase consumer understanding of use-by and sell-by dates.

Portion packs
Portioning is important, both in terms of the amount of food consumers buy and getting portions right at home. Knowing what size portion you need and using handy portioning tools and self-dispensing options can make a major difference. The use of divisible and ‘eat me, freeze me’ packs is also key. Producers and manufacturers can also review the number of units in multipacks and the type of promotions on offer.

In addition, packaging can extend the shelf life of food once it reaches consumers, both before and after opening. Modified atmosphere packaging, novel materials and improved resealability are just some of the measures that can be considered.

Wrap is undertaking detailed research into food waste within the supply chain, which should further help to inform the industry and drive change (see below for tender opportunities).

Over a third of household food waste arises from ‘preparing or cooking too much’ food and nearly two thirds is generated by ‘left and unused’ food. Of the latter, one million tonnes are thrown away unopened or whole, while an astonishing 340,000 tonnes are still in date. All types of households are contributing to these stunning statistics and it’s not just the UK that is affected by this issue.

The environmental impact of food waste is substantial. Overall, food accounts for 18% of the UK’s carbon emissions and avoidable food waste is associated with 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents – the same as taking one in five cars off UK roads. As the majority of food-related emissions are linked to production, storage and distribution it is important to prevent food waste from occurring in the first place, rather than simply diverting it from landfill.

Food finances
There is also a major financial implication. UK families with children are spending, on average, £610 per year on wasted food. With food prices on the rise, there is even more reason to act.

However, alongside an industry response, Wrap recognises that consumer communication is crucial in bringing about real behaviour change. Our key consumer-facing campaign, Love Food Hate Waste (www.lovefoodhatewaste.com), aims to make it easier for us to make the most from the food we buy. It provides simple, practical solutions on planning meals, better portioning, using your freezer and top tips on tasty meals to make with leftovers.

In short, there is little doubt that food waste represents a significant environmental issue, and there are numerous opportunities for companies throughout the supply chain to take action and make a real contribution towards reducing the amount of food we throw away.

Andrew Parry is a food waste expert at the Waste & Resources Action Programme

Wrap is due to launch a new tender for trials to develop and support food waste reduction at home and in the supply chain. Visit www.wrap.org.uk/wrap_corporate/tenders for more information.

See the food waste section at www.wrap.org.uk/retail for case studies, and the full ‘Food We Waste’ report.

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