WRAP, the Waste & Resources Action Programme, is calling for proposals from food industry partnerships to develop innovative solutions to food waste throughout the retail supply chain and in the home.

WRAP is building on its existing drive to reduce household food waste by extending the scope of its work to make better use of resources all the way through the supply chain, from manufacture, distribution and back of store.

As part of WRAP’s work, industry workshops were held in London and Leeds in September to discuss new insights from its pioneering research report, ‘The Food We Waste’. A number of potential solutions to reduce food waste were identified, from improved storage guidance for consumers, more consistent date labelling and a greater range of pack sizes, through to packaging changes aimed at increasing shelf life.

WRAP is now inviting proposals for projects to develop and trial innovative approaches and solutions to reduce supply chain and/or household food waste. Collaborative partnerships between retailers, brands, designers, suppliers and others will be particularly encouraged. These should have the potential to deliver significant reductions with rapid implementation of solutions.

WRAP is looking to prioritise action in the food categories making the most significant contribution to food waste - which includes fresh fruit and vegetables.

Andrew Parry, food waste minimisation manager at WRAP, said: “There are real opportunities for retailers and food manufacturers to help reduce the amount of food which is thrown away in the UK. Not only would this have significant environmental benefits, it could also drive cost savings for the industry and customers - enhancing loyalty in difficult financial times.

“The launch of this call for partnerships will now enable companies throughout the supply chain to work in partnership with WRAP to deliver real change.”

Alison Austin, environmental affairs manager at Sainsbury’s, said: “Sainsbury’s is proud to support this initiative and through our work with WRAP has already developed storage guidance for our customers for fresh fruit and vegetables. There are lots more opportunities to reduce food waste and we look forward to ideas becoming a reality.”

The closing date for the tender is November 20, 2008. Research reports to support proposals are available at www.wrap.org.uk/retail/food_waste/

Topics