We, as British businesses in the retail, manufacturing, food service and surplus food marketplace sectors, call on the UK Government to implement mandatory food waste reporting for large companies.  

The scale of food waste in the UK is alarming. 10.7 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, equating to 15 billion meals and, globally, food waste accounts for 10% of carbon emissions. It is both a major driver of climate change and a key hurdle to meeting our net zero targets. While voluntary efforts by businesses to manage food waste have made progress, they do not go far enough. Mandatory food waste reporting would ensure businesses track and reduce waste, providing transparency and accountability. 

This is not just an environmental issue; it is an economic one too. Food waste costs the UK economy £21.8 billion every year. By making waste reduction a priority, businesses can save money, increase efficiency and unlock innovation in line with the growth mission of the new Government.

Countries like Austria have shown that mandatory food waste reporting works. Total food waste has reduced by one million kilos from the first report in Q4 2023, to the Q2 2024 report. In the UK, this policy would not only reduce waste and support economic growth but position Britain as a leader in sustainable business practice. 

We urge the Government to act now. Mandatory food waste reporting is a vital step to a greener, faster growing and more resilient economy. 

Sincerely, 

Too Good To Go and the British Retail Consortium with,

Abel and Cole, Aldi, Asda, Bidfood, Booths, Compass Group UK&I, Compleat Group, Cook Trading, Danone, Gousto, Innocent Drinks, LettUs Grow, Lidl, Little Green Footprint, Marks and Spencer, Neighbourly, Nestlé, Ocado, Oddbox, Olio, One Stop, Princes, Quorn, Rubies in the Rubble, Sainsbury’s, Samworth Brothers, Tesco, The Co-op, Toast Ale, Wells and Co, Winnow, YO! Sushi / Snowfox, Yoplait.