Food redistribution up in UK, reveals Courtauld results

UK food waste prevention efforts have helped achieve redistribution of 80%, according to the first year results from the Courtauld Commitment Phase 3.

Released by WRAP, the result also showed around 4.5% reduction of the carbon impacts of packaging, said to be ahead of the 2015 target of zero increase.

Launched in May 2013, Courtauld Commitment 3 aims to further reduce the weight and carbon impact of household food waste, grocery product and packaging waste, both in the home and the UK grocery sector.

WRAP sustainable food systems director Dr Richard Swannell said: "I am delighted that progress on the packaging target has exceeded expectations and redistribution has increased significantly.

"There is still much to do before the end of this third phase though, with the biggest challenge being the manufacturing and retail target. We will be working closely with signatories to help ensure all the targets are met."

This significant reduction in the carbon impact of packaging has resulted from the efforts to reduce packaging, increase recycled content and use of different packaging materials.

Despite this reduction, there was a substantial increase in the amount of unsold food redistributed for human consumption, almost doubling from 21kt to 38kt, WRAP said.

Courtauld Commitment 3 is expected to achieve a cumulative reduction of 1.1 million tonnes of waste, 2.9 million tonnes of CO2(e) and a cost benefit of £1.6 billion to consumers, food and drink sector and local authorities.

Funded by Westminster, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments, WRAP is responsible for the delivery of the agreement.

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Image: Courtauld results reveal food redistribution up in UK. Photo: courtsey of Freedigitalphotos.net.