Tackling Food Waste: Why should it be a top European Union's policy priority?

Tackling Food Waste: Why should it be a top European Union's policy priority?

Food waste is a significant global issue, with profound consequences for the environment, economy, and society. Year after year, roughly a third of the food that is produced globally is lost or wasted, which is about 1.05 billion tonnes of food suitable for human consumption a year. (UNEP Food Waste Index 2024). This article explores why food waste should be a top policy priority for the European Union (EU) and highlights recent initiatives and strategies aimed at addressing this pervasive problem.

Only in the EU, over 58 million tonnes of food waste (131 kg/inhabitant) are generated annually (Eurostat, 2023), with an associated market value estimated at 132 billion euros (SWD (2023)421). Economic loss is not the worst, but the fact that at the same time, over 37 million people in the EU cannot afford a quality meal every second day (Eurostat, 2023). What’s more, it is not only an ethical and economic issue, but it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources and contributes to the ever-worsening climate change.

Given these staggering figures, it is no surprise that the European Commission has taken the issue of food loss and waste very seriously, making it a key strategic priority.

EU Policies and Targets

Fortunately, in the recent years, the EU has intensified its efforts to tackle food waste through a combination of legislation, strategic frameworks, and collaborative initiatives. Some of the key plans that include targets related to food waste and highlight the need for action are:

The Farm to Fork Strategy: Part of the European Green Deal, this strategy aims to make food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. One of it targets consist of halving food waste at the retail and consumer levels per capita by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12.3, which focuses on responsible consumption and production.
Circular Economy Action Plan: This plan promotes a transition to a circular economy, where the value of products, materials, and resources is maintained for as long as possible within its life cycle. Besides many other actions, it includes specific measures to prevent food waste, improve food donation, and valorise surplus food.
Revised Waste Framework Directive: This directive requires member states to take measures to reduce food waste at each stage of the food supply chain, monitor food waste levels, and report on progress. Also, promoting awareness campaigns and supporting R&I in food waste reduction technologies is encouraged.
EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste: This platform brings together key stakeholders, including member states, international organizations, businesses, and civil society. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, supports the development of guidelines, and encourages cooperation to achieve food waste reduction goals.
National and Local Initiatives: While the EU sets overarching policies, individual member states are responsible for implementing national strategies to meet these targets. Several countries have launched innovative programs, such as France, Italy and Denmark. For instance, France has banned supermarkets from throwing away unsold food, requiring them to donate it to charities instead.

All EU actions against food waste can be retrieved on the destinated EC website: Link

The remaining challenges and path forward

While progress is being made, challenges remain. Among others, accurate measurement and monitoring of food loss waste are still a barrier. Since decisions are based on statistical data, these methods should be carried out diligently, however it is still not an easy task. Another is the challenge of changing consumer behaviour, which requires ongoing education and awareness.

However, there are fortunately many ongoing technological advancements that present new opportunities. Both academia and industry, remarkably start-ups and SMEs, are joining forces to bring up innovations in packaging, food processing, and digital platforms can help extend the shelf life of food, optimize supply chains, and facilitate food donations: this is the core activity of our project, SISTERS

In sum, making food waste a priority is crucial for the EU’s sustainability agenda. Collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and consumers are needed to achieve significant reductions in food waste. Prioritizing this issue is a cornerstone to ensure food security, protect the environment, and build a more resilient food system. Let’s all make food waste reduction a priority.