Resources

Ground-breaking research into the relationship between plastic packaging and five fruit and vegetable items frequently wasted at home, as well as the impact of date labels and storage temperatures, reveals significant opportunities to reduce both food waste and plastic packaging.

The research looked at: 

• If packaging extends the shelf life of fruit and vegetables;
• If selling items loose enables households to buy an appropriate amount for their needs; and
• How people make decisions about when to throw away fruit and vegetables, and what role does a ‘Best Before’ date have on these decisions.

'Although this is the start of Angus Soft Fruits’ journey with the Roadmap, we have already taken steps to ensure that our operations within the packhouse are as efficient as possible and to minimise our food waste.'

Highlighting progress made in the third year of the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap:

• 251,000 tonnes of food worth £365 million saved from waste.
• 670,000 tonnes of GHG emissions potentially avoided.
• 145 million meals redistributed.
• Major opportunities for greater impact remain – industry action focused on Hospitality and Food Service sector and whole chain collaboration.

“simple low cost changes can have a big impact”

'Waste is a problem throughout the whole food supply chain. That's why Waitrose are engaging with our suppliers to reduce food waste in the supply chain.'

WRAP works with governments, businesses and citizens to create a world in which resources are used sustainably. Read our April 2020-21 annual review to learn more about our mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy.

Exploring how farmers can be supported to collaborate in measuring food surplus and waste and identifying production efficiencies.

Redistributing surplus food from farms can help those who do not have enough to feed themselves, reduce food waste and ensure that the hard effort of farmers and growers does not go to waste.

The Government’s current Environment Plan introduced its policy to achieve zero avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042. One of the aims is to reduce the amount of plastic in circulation through reducing demand for single-use plastic. WRAP has been working closely with retailers to explore plastic-free/loose supermarket aisles and has supported a leading UK retailer, Morrisons, to evaluate a plastic-free/loose fresh produce trial in its store in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Keelings International is a grower and packer of various fresh salads and fruits, based in Northamptonshire. Their customer base spans retailers, wholesalers, and the food service sector in the UK, mainland Europe and Asia.

Moulton Bulb Company Ltd is a family run and owned business which has been sourcing and packing the finest quality and largest range of onions, garlic, and shallots available to the UK market since 1979.