Measurement
Matters
To reduce food waste effectively, we need to improve monitoring, measurement and reporting of food waste across all sectors of the food supply chain.
Driving food waste reduction across the food value chain will require food sector businesses to commit to measuring and reporting food waste in a clear and consistent manner. Improved monitoring of food waste levels will highlight the costs of mismanagement of food, and in turn, identify and prompt action by business operators to reduce food waste.
The reporting of food waste data in a common format, using the EPA’s national standard methodologies, will be used to collectively track progress of the Charter and support Ireland’s EU reporting requirements.
At a business level, the Food Waste Measurement Protocol (food & drink manufacturing) and Pathway (food service) are tools for you based on international best practice but tailored to the needs and day-to-day workings of Irish businesses. Throughout the development process we engaged sectoral representatives and businesses to discuss the thought process behind these and engage with them to ensure sectoral input was included.
Food & Drink Manufacturing
The Food Waste Measurement Protocol for the Food and Drink Manufacturing sector provides a consistent method to measure food waste. The Guide (PDF) outlines the recommended step-by-step approach and the Food Waste Measurement Tool (.xlsx), a standardised template that can be used by any business, will help identify and collate the relevant data and estimate all food waste related flows.
Food Service
Public Sector Offices
Measuring and monitoring food waste is required by the Public Sector Climate Action Plan Mandate from 2024. The Food Waste Prevention Public Service Guide (PDF) explains how to measure food waste using the EPA’s Food Waste Measurement Tool (.xlsx) which will estimate food waste volumes and segregation levels using waste bills.
Related Resources
Make your pledge today
Join other Irish food and drink sector businesses and pledge your commitment to reduce food waste now.
