Major retailers in the UK are advocating for a reform where each business would be required to report its food waste. With 70% of food waste coming from households, according to the WRAP charity, the need for increased corporate responsibility has never been more pressing. This movement aims to strengthen the existing regulatory framework by building on current reporting obligations for more accurate tracking and optimized management of food losses.
British retailers are calling for a mandatory reporting of food waste by businesses. Currently, the UK government notes that the retail and food industry redistributes nearly 43,000 tons of food. However, according to WRAP, a British charity, household food waste in the UK still accounts for 70% of total waste. This initiative aims to enhance the fight against food waste by leveraging existing reporting obligations and encouraging more responsible management of food resources.
Leading British retailers are now urging the government to impose a mandatory food waste reporting by companies. According to the UK government, this measure would allow for better tracking and reduction of food waste, which represents a significant share of household waste. For example, WRAP, a British charity, estimates that 70% of food waste in the UK comes from households.
Potential benefits of mandatory reporting
Implementing an annual food waste report would enable businesses not only to reduce their environmental impact but also to better manage their resources. This mandatory measure could also encourage charitable initiatives. For instance, IFCO has partnered with two British charities to effectively redistribute goods within the food supply chain.
Current initiatives to combat food waste
Existing legislations, such as the AGEC law in France or British initiatives to remove the expiration date from certain food products, highlight the growing importance of the fight against food waste. In France, for example, since July 1, 2021, restaurateurs have been required to offer doggy bags to their customers. Furthermore, Ademe presented a report to Parliament before January 1, 2022, to strengthen these measures.
