UK Looks at Cutting Supply Chain Loss

A programme backed by governments in the UK hopes to reduce waste throughout the food supply chain by using a range of innovations in manufacturing, storage, distribution and retail.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is commissioning a range of companies including Adare, Campden BRI, East Malling Research, Giraffe Innovation and Premier Foods and retailers such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco to conduct research into how food waste can be minimised and efficiency enhanced.

Businesses and the environment will see the main benefits of the project’s outcome, according to WRAP retail supply chain programme manager Charlotte Henderson.

“This innovative research, which spans the entire supply chain through to the consumer, will reduce costs and waste for retailers and food manufacturers,” Henderson said.

Consumers, who throw away about 6.7 million tons of food each year in the UK, will also benefit from the prolonged life of food.

Results from the report are expected to be released in late 2009 and throughout 2010.