The UK grocery sector reduced food and packaging waste by 1.7 million tonnes, equivalent to 4.8 million tonnes of CO2Under, according to a new report.
The results for the second phase of the voluntary agreement, which ran from 2010 to 2012, were released today by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) showing encouraging signs of progress.
The supply chain target was exceeded, with a 7.4% reduction against a 5% initial prediction, while packaging met the 10% carbon impact reduction target. However, household food waste fell short of the 4% target, with a 3.7% reduction.
Andrew Kuyk, director of sustainability at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said it was pleased to exceed the 5% target while still increasing output to meet higher demand.
“The Courtauld Commitment is an excellent example of how government and industry can work together in a voluntary framework for the benefit of everyone. We look forward to further progress as we continue to work with WRAP in the Commitment’s next phase,” he said.
Many FDF members have already signed up to Phase 3 of the Courtauld Commitment, launched in May 2013 and scheduled to run until 2015.
The third phase aims to further reduce the weight and carbon impact of household food waste as well grocery product and packaging waste.
