CIWM welcomes call for more coherent action on food waste across Europe

Responding to the launch of the House of Lords EU Committee's report on food waste in Europe, CIWM says the committee has delivered a useful set of recommendations.

"Food waste must be regarded as a priority issue given its economic, environmental and social impacts. The committee's recommendations pinpoint some of the key barriers and areas where focused action is needed. These include data and reporting, food labelling and packaging, and the need for a formal strategy that can draw together the various elements of the supply chain and the policy mechanisms such as the CAP that have an important role to play.

"We also welcome the call for EU guidance on applying the principles of the waste hierarchy to food waste in a more formal way and the support for the work of WRAP here in the UK. WRAP's work with producers and retailers has already delivered results in food waste prevention and there is also an ongoing need to support local authorities in developing cost effective household food waste collections.

"As we grapple with the resource implications of a rapidly growing global population and the potential impact of climate change on our food production capabilities, 90 million tonnes of food waste is unacceptable. CIWM hopes that these recommendations will be given serious consideration at both a national and EU level and we support the development of aspirational targets to drive progress."

The full report 'Counting the Cost of Food Waste: EU Food Waste Prevention' can be found here

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk