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Key points

Agreement: Provisional agreement on revising the Waste Framework Directive to focus on food waste reduction.

Targets: Mandated 10% reduction in food waste in processing and manufacturing by 2030; 30% reduction per capita at retail and consumption levels.

Support: EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste to share best practices and provide financial assistance for research and action grants.

Economic impact: Addressing €132 billion in annual food waste losses, improving operational efficiency and enhancing brand reputation.

The European Commission has this morning announced a provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council regarding a targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

This amendment aims to significantly bolster the circular economy across the EU, with specific measures designed to address both textile and food waste reduction.

Key features of the revised directive

The revised Waste Framework Directive introduces a comprehensive and harmonised set of rules aimed at improving sustainability for businesses and consumers alike.

A central component of this agreement is the establishment of ambitious food waste reduction targets, reflecting a strong commitment from EU Member States to combat food waste throughout production and supply chains, including at the household level.

Food waste reduction targets:

• Member States are required to achieve a 10% reduction in food waste within processing and manufacturing by 2030.

• At the retail and consumption levels, which encompasses restaurants, foodservice and households, a 30% reduction per capita in food waste is mandated.

• These measures align with the EU's Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste per capita by 2030.

Support mechanisms:

• The European Commission will support Member States in achieving these targets by sharing best practices through the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste.

• Financial assistance will be provided for research initiatives and action grants aimed at innovative strategies to reduce food waste across various sectors.

Implications for F&B manufacturers

The agreement is poised to have a significant impact on food and beverage manufacturers, who will need to adapt their processes to meet the new waste reduction targets.

Key implications include:

Operational efficiency: By focusing on reducing food waste, manufacturers can improve operational efficiency, leading to cost savings and better resource management.

Sustainability practices: The directive encourages the adoption of sustainable practices, such as optimizing supply chain logistics, improving inventory management and enhancing product shelf life.

Regulatory compliance: Manufacturers will need to ensure compliance with the new regulations, which may involve revising production processes and implementing new waste management strategies.

Economic and environmental benefits

The reduction of food waste not only addresses ethical and environmental concerns but also has substantial economic benefits.

By minimising waste, manufacturers can:

Reduce costs: Lowering food waste directly translates to reduced costs associated with raw materials, waste disposal and regulatory compliance.

Enhance brand reputation: Companies that actively engage in waste reduction initiatives can bolster their brand reputation, appealing to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.

Next steps

For the provisional agreement to take effect, it must be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

Once adopted, the directive will come into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member States will then have 20 months to transpose the directive into national legislation, ensuring that the food waste reduction targets are implemented effectively.

#EuropeanCommission #foodwaste