The establishment of WRAP EU, a collaboration between the Global environmental NGO WRAP and the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC), marks a significant stride towards transforming food systems and addressing unsustainable practices within the European Union. This new organization will primarily focus on reducing food waste in the hospitality and food service sectors, which are responsible for an estimated €35 billion in waste annually, accounting for about 11% of total food waste in Europe. The official unveiling took place during an IFWC meeting in Paris, attended by key figures such as WRAP CEO Harriet Lamb and IFWC president Didier Sandoz. The partnership aims to leverage combined expertise to achieve a collective goal of halving food waste by 2030.

The formation of WRAP EU is a timely response to the critical issue of food waste in the European hospitality sector. With a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, this initiative underscores the urgency and importance of sustainable practices. The hospitality and food service industries have been identified as pivotal areas for intervention due to their substantial contribution to food waste. According to Eurostat, these sectors generate an estimated €35 billion in waste each year, representing approximately 11% of total food waste in Europe. By concentrating efforts here, WRAP EU aims to create a ripple effect that extends throughout the broader value chain.

Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate change. She highlighted that establishing roots in the EU allows WRAP to influence and inform key programs aimed at promoting circular living. "This partnership with IFWC represents a perfect alignment of goals and resources," Lamb noted. "Together, we can significantly increase our impact and bring about meaningful change in how food waste is managed across Europe."

Didier Sandoz, president of IFWC, echoed Lamb's sentiments, expressing enthusiasm about joining forces with WRAP. "The creation of WRAP EU is a milestone in our ongoing efforts to tackle food waste and loss," he said. "Through this partnership, we can amplify our impact and contribute to the global push to halve food waste by 2030. Reducing emissions linked to food waste is a crucial step towards achieving sustainability goals across the continent."

Prominent members of the IFWC, including Sodexo and Accor, have already reported a 25% reduction in food waste across 5,000 sites. These members represent approximately 60% of the EU contract catering market and 15% of the hotel sector, indicating substantial potential for further impact. Mouna Fassi Daoudi, chief sustainability officer at Sodexo, highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing their efforts to address food waste. Similarly, Brune Poirson, Accor’s chief sustainability officer, underscored the need for radical changes in managing food waste.

WRAP EU will implement a common methodology tailored to the hospitality and food service industries, aligned with international standards. This approach is essential for engaging members in food waste reporting processes and tracking progress. As WRAP’s third international base, following operations in Asia-Pacific and the Americas, WRAP EU aims to connect with the Global Network of Food Pacts to share insights and best practices on effective food waste reduction strategies. The launch of WRAP EU signals a renewed commitment to tackling food waste and fostering sustainable practices across Europe.