Waste not, want not
WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) is a registered charity and was set up in 2000 to promote sustainable waste management. Since its inception, WRAP are now world leaders in helping organisations achieve greater resource efficiency.
Between 2010 - 2015 in England alone, WRAP initiatives reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 million tonnes (Mt) which is the equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of Portugal.
WRAP focuses on 3 key sectors where they believe they can make the biggest difference, (food & drink, clothing & textiles and plastics).
This article and subsequent updates regarding WRAP's activities will focus on their involvement with the Food and Drink industry, and how WRAP creates economic and environmental value from reducing food waste.
According to WRAP's research compiled with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately a third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted. This equates to:
- $984bn in economic losses globally per year due to food loss and waste.
- More than £20bn worth of food waste in the UK annually.
- £810 food thrown away by the average UK family per year.
So, what are WRAP'S initiatives to reduce food waste?
Very broadly, Wrap's key initiatives to reduce food waste can be categorised as the following:
- Re-inventing how food products are designed, sourced and processed to reduce their impact throughout the product lifecycle;
- Re-thinking our relationship with food, helping consumers get more value from food and waste less; and re-defining what is possible in getting best value from unavoidable food waste.
Some food for thought....
WRAP’s work is underpinned by groundbreaking, evidence-based research. Our studies give us unique market and behavioural insight and help prioritise action to tackle the significant carbon, water and waste impacts of the UK’s food and drink supply chain. ”
