The EPA is leading a programme to support businesses in the food supply chain to reduce food waste, encouraging food waste prevention in line with the principles of the food waste hierarchy.
Reducing food waste has been recognised as one of the most important global challenges of our time. Ireland, along with almost 200 other countries, has committed to tackle this problem by 2030.
This can only be done if all of us – individuals, organisations and businesses – take action.
Recently published EPA-funded research[1] revealed that the food services sector generates over 250,000 tonnes of food waste each year with a very considerable cost in terms of resource-use and business overheads – estimated at over €300M for the hospitality sector alone. This highlights a high-potential area for action towards meeting national targets.
The Food Waste Charter is a public expression of our commitment to achieve an Ireland where food is not wasted. By signing up, your business commits to take at least one action that will help reduce food waste. This action, regardless of how big or small, should be concrete and achievable.
By doing this, you will join other businesses and industry leaders from across the country in working together to reduce food waste in accordance with the following principles:
Together we will build on existing good practice and strong political commitment to take effective actions to reduce the waste of food.
We also recognise the positive social and environmental impacts of stopping food waste and realise the economic benefit associated with efficiencies in food production and consumption.
We acknowledge the successful work already being done along the supply chain and will continue to work with people, businesses and communities towards the following objectives:
- Adhere to the food waste hierarchy, prioritising the prevention of food waste.
- Build an awareness and understanding of food waste and its issues.
- Promote innovative food waste prevention solutions.
- Implement technical and behavioural interventions to reduce food waste.
- Gather and share reliable and accurate food waste information to identify areas for improvement and to measure progress.