I had great expectations when we launched the Courtauld Commitment back in 2005 to reduce waste from the world of food and drink. ?And we have come further than many thought possible - to date preventing 2.3 million tonnes of waste, the value of which is equivalent to £3.5 billion.
Today we are launching Phase 3 with equally great expectations of a 1.1 million tonne waste reduction and £1.6 billion worth of savings. But perhaps the greatest expectation is a 20% reduction in household food waste being achieved during the three phases of Courtauld in less than ten years.
Courtauld 3 has a strong focus on tackling food waste in all three targets: helping consumer to waste less in the home; assisting businesses to reduce ingredient and product waste in the supply chain; and, by optimising packaging.
The ambitious new targets need to be achieved against a backdrop of sales growth and an increased desire to produce more food in the UK. In reality, this means that the targets will be even harder to achieve as signatories push to increase sales and grow market share.
We are delighted that over 45 retailers, brands and manufacturers have signed up to this challenge. This level of commitment at the start of the agreement reinforces that many businesses now realise that achieving resource efficiency is good for the bottom line, as well as the environment. But it's not just businesses that benefit. The £1.6 billion also includes significant savings for consumers and local authorities.
I suspect the greater focus on food waste with its big ambitions will capture many of the headlines. But there is also a wider story, where the Courtauld Commitment shows what effective collaboration can achieve, bringing real change in our stores, the supply chain and helping us reduce waste in the home.
I look forward to, once again, seeing the sector do just that; being innovative in their desire to take action and to reap the benefits of doing so for consumers, their business and UK plc.
Liz Goodwin is chief executive of WRAP. This blog first appeared on the Wrap website.
