Food Loss and Waste
Supporting organisations to understand, measure, report and reduce food waste across the value chain and impact wider food system transformation
Insights
Food loss and waste is as much a social issue as it is an environmental responsibility.
Currently, around one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted while there are around 785 million people living in hunger.
The UN estimates that food loss and waste generates up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To put the scale of this into context, this is almost five times more than the aviation sector. Addressing and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from food waste is therefore not only essential but also a fundamental step in any food company’s decarbonisation strategy and to tackling the challenges of climate change.
By closing the loop in food production and re-establishing the value in food itself, we can reduce the demand for food to be grown, in turn lessening the environmental footprint and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is becoming ever important in the context of a growing global population set to hit 9 billion by 2050. Food is grown to be eaten and it is important that as much food as possible is used for this purpose.
Food Loss & Waste Solutions
Anthesis has extensive end-to-end knowledge and experience helping clients to understand, measure, report and reduce food waste across the value chain. We work with global food retailers, manufacturers, growers, investment communities and industry bodies to advance food loss and waste reductions in line with decarbonisation and social impact commitments.
Our food loss and waste team offer deep subject knowledge and expertise applied to your business environment and working within the context of global food loss and waste agreements and protocols with the goal of having a positive impact on wider food system transformation.
Our Approach to Food Waste
Food Loss and Waste Assessment – Understanding where you are on your food loss and waste journey and how this ladders up to broader sustainability and climate strategies.
Education and Awareness – Establishing education and awareness programs and training around the importance of, and ways to tackle food loss and waste in your business.
Definitions and Data Collection – Assistance in determining food waste & surplus definitions, and data collection methodologies.
Food Waste Reporting – Food loss and waste reporting in accordance with local geographic, industry and within voluntary frameworks and agreements.
Stakeholder Engagement – External stakeholder engagement strategy and implementation to collect, measure and report food waste upstream in supply chains.
Hotspot Analysis and Reduction Strategies – Food waste hotspot analysis and waste reduction strategy development including roadmaps, intervention piloting and implementation.
Circular Economy Innovations – Exploring circular economy i.e. Upcycled food propositions and innovative methods to close the loop in food.
Food Redistribution Partnerships – Food re-distribution partnership development as a method to tackle food surplus.
Consumer Behavior Campaigns – Development of consumer campaigns to influence positive behaviour towards food waste and reframe attitudes to food and waste.
Trusted By
Case Studies
The benefits of focusing on food loss and waste for your business
Food waste costs the global food system an astounding $850 billion every year. By addressing this challenge, businesses can unlock significant financial benefits, including potential savings of 3–6% in Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Research from WRAP estimates that companies can save approximately $1,600 for every tonne of food waste avoided. Implementing effective food waste management strategies not only reduces costs but also drives operational efficiency and sustainability.
Social Impact
Annually, approximately 1 billion tonnes of food—equivalent to 912 trillion calories—are wasted. This amount could adequately nourish the 11% of the global population currently experiencing hunger. By addressing food waste, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Deomonstrate Responsibility
Effectively managing food waste safeguards brand reputation and aligns with broader corporate ESG goals. Proactively addressing food waste supports compliance with voluntary commitments like SDG Target 12.3, the Courtauld Commitment 2030, and the US Food Waste Pact, positioning businesses ahead of mandatory requirements.
Reduce Environmental Footprint
Reducing food waste directly decreases emissions, as well as the carbon, water, and land use footprint of food production. It alleviates pressure on the food system to produce more, preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, while also enhancing supply chain resilience and continuity.
Business Case
Irresponsible food waste management costs the food system $850 billion annually, but addressing it effectively can save 3–6% in COGS. According to WRAP, businesses can achieve approximately $1,600 in savings for every tonne of food waste reduced.
Our Food Loss and Waste Experts
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