A EUROPEAN initiative is underway which will aim to reduce consumer food waste, which includes a large amount of potato content, alongside other food, plastics and clothing.
WRAP EU recently hosted its first major event in Brussels to discuss key incoming EU policies under the revised Waste Framework Directive, and how to transform Europe towards more circular living.
The special meeting convened members of the European Commission, senior business executives from the food, plastics and clothing sectors, bankers, NGOs, trusts & foundations and MEPs. Delegates were invited to discuss how the EU can move from a damaging linear business model of take, make and dispose to a more Circular Living model of reuse, repair and remanufacture – beginning with food, textiles, and manufactured products which account for nearly half (45%) of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
The meeting also introduced WRAP’s new CEO Catherine David and Executive Director of WRAP EU Sofie Schop.
Catherine said: “The EU is also committed to halving per capita food waste and reducing food losses in production and supply chains. Its Waste Framework Directive is world-leading in ambition for transformative collaborative action.”
The talks covered WRAP’s 20-year programme of food loss and waste reduction, now expanded into a global Food Pact Network, amongst other topics.
Hosted by WRAP’s newly-appointed CEO, Catherine David and David Rogers, Director of International Development, the talks included a keynote speech from Klaus Berend Director for Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE). Laura Lourdelle, Resource Efficiency Lead, Sodexo, Paul Kerssens, Co-Founder & COO, United Repair Centre and Stéphane Leroux, Executive Director, IFWC.
Klaus Berend European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) said: “The forthcoming binding food waste reduction targets are ambitious but can be reached. If we act without delay, build on what we know works, and ensure all actors play their part. This is not only about achieving legal obligations. It is about creating a more sustainable, efficient, and fair consumption and production system. The European Commission stands ready to support all stakeholders in this effort.”
The meeting also introduced WRAP EU’s incoming Executive Director Sofie Schop, a global sustainability leader with over 20 years’ experience in ESG and circularity. As founder of interim sustainability leadership and advisory STUDIO SCHOP B.V., Sofie has held leadership roles at Versuni (formerly Philips Domestic Appliances), PVH, Tommy Hilfiger as well as Karl Lagerfeld, G-STAR RAW, Cascale, Schuttelaar & Partners and Fair Wear Foundation. She will head the WRAP EU team to scale and embed sustainability strategies into business operations across Europe.
Sofie said: “There are big changes ahead and I can’t wait to help bring these into practice. Already through the actions of the IFWC the European food service sector – which generates 11% of our total food waste – has delivered a 27% reduction in food waste in food service, and a 36% reduction in hospitality representing a €200 million annual saving, against its 50% target. These powerful changes happen through collaboration and shared ambitions. They benefit business but, most importantly, they help take the heat out of climate change. This has given many businesses a strong start ahead of the new Directive, the other big factor will be effective EPR for those members and WRAP EU looks forward to supporting across governments and businesses in making this a reality.”
WRAP EU was created through a partnership of the global environmental action NGO WRAP and the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC). Located in the heart of the European Union, the new organisation will transform global food systems and address unsustainable production and consumption in fashion and textiles, and plastics.
Laura Lourdelle, Resource Efficiency Lead, Sodexo, said: “The launch of WRAP EU Is a vital step in advancing Europe’s circular economy ambitions. Market maker in sustainability, Sodexo is proud to be part of this movement and looks forward to shaping the next chapter together.”
