WRAP calls on retailers, brands and government to refocus their efforts on preventing food waste

In a new report, environmental NGO WRAP claims UK consumers are spending £17 billion on food that is thrown away or an average of £1,000 per four-person household.

WRAP says that the amount of household food waste in the UK decreased by 9% between 2021 and 2022. It attributed this decline to the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, which meant fewer meals were prepared at home, and increasing food prices in 2022.

However, while the figures demonstrate that it is possible to significantly reduce household food waste, they also show that the UK is not currently on track to meet international targets.

In order to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal on household food waste it will need to decrease by 36% before 2030. WRAP says failing to meet this will make it “much more difficult” to hit Net Zero goals as well.

‘While collaboration through WRAP’s UK Food and Drink Pact has propelled the UK in the field of food waste prevention, it took the end of a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis to get faster impact. This is a wakeup call that we all need to act: here in the UK to meet our targets, and through global co-ordination to share expertise and ensure this crucial area is a higher priority and is adequately funded. This is imperative if we are to continue reducing household food waste at scale,” says Catherine David, CEO at WRAP.

WRAP is calling for alignment on policy, increased public engagement and changes in the retail space to make it easier for people to buy the right amount of products and to use what they buy.

The new report found 40% of household food waste occurs because food is not used in time. WRAP has called on retailers to help people buy the appropriate amount of food with smaller packs and new product labeling. 

David adds: “We all need to make the most of our food. Government needs to help by introducing policies that level the playing field. Retailers also need to help their customers, whether that’s by ensuring loose fruit and veg is available, or that people are not financially penalised if they buy, for example, a smaller loaf of bread – and helping them make the most of the food they buy.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.