WRAP Reports: 10% Growth in Food Waste Roadmap Commitment
WRAP has reported a 10% rise in the number of businesses committing to its Food Waste Reduction Roadmap (FWRR) since November 2023. Despite this progress, the environmental action group warns that significant efforts are still needed to meet its 2025 target: 80% of large businesses signing on to the initiative. Currently, only 25% have committed, up from 22% in 2022.
To date, over 400 businesses have pledged their support, including:
- 271 large enterprises
- 80 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- 52 other organisations
Commitment vs. Implementation
WRAP distinguishes between businesses that simply pledge to the Roadmap (“committed”) and those actively monitoring and reporting their food waste data (“implementing”).
According to 2023 data:
- 30% of large businesses are measuring and reporting their food waste, a figure unchanged since 2022.
- The 2025 target for implementation stands at 85%, underscoring the urgent need for businesses to increase efforts.
Actions Businesses Are Taking
Many organisations have already started implementing key measures to reduce food waste. These include:
- Revising operational strategies to minimise waste.
- Collaborating with supply chains to optimise efficiency.
- Educating consumers through initiatives such as portion guidance and removing date labels from products.
These steps demonstrate practical ways businesses can reduce food waste and align with WRAP’s goals.
About WRAP’s Food Waste Reduction Roadmap
Launched in 2018 and refreshed in 2023, WRAP’s Food Waste Reduction Roadmap aims to support the delivery of the Courtauld Commitment 2030 and the broader Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which seeks to halve food waste by 2030.
The Roadmap advocates the Target Measure Act (TMA) approach, encouraging businesses to:
- Target key areas of waste.
- Measure and monitor food waste data.
- Act on insights to implement change.
The Case for Immediate Action
WRAP emphasises the importance of committing to the Roadmap now, as mandatory food waste reporting regulations may soon be introduced. Starting the TMA process early positions businesses as leaders in sustainability and prepares them for upcoming regulatory requirements.
As WRAP continues its push toward the 2025 goals, the organisation calls on more businesses to commit, implement, and take meaningful action against food waste.
The time to act is now!