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Food waste

The world, as a global food community, is more aware than ever of the impact that food waste has on our planet and people. Underlining its significance, the UN seeks to halve global food waste per capita at retail and consumer levels by 2030, and to reduce food losses along production and supply chains. Food management standards play a key role in helping governments and organizations achieve these targets.

Reducing global food waste

Discover how standards support organizations produce food in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible way

How do we put the global food system on a low-waste diet?
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How do we put the global food system on a low-waste diet?

Each year, up to 37% of the world’s total carbon emissions come from food production, yet despite the enormous environmental cost, around one third of food goes to waste annually. Reducing food waste is vital to cut carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of food production on land, water and other resources. It can also substantially strengthen our food security. It’s simply not possible to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal to stay within 1.5-2 degrees C of warming without tackling the food waste issue. Standards have a crucial role to play in reducing food loss and waste, and supporting the transition to a more sustainable food system. The impact of food production on the planet From agriculture through to manufacturing and distribution, retail, and the end user, food production places huge demands on the natural world. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways of reducing the environmental toll of food production. With the global population now exceeding 8 billion, agriculture to support that population requires huge land and water use. Food production to feed both humans and animals now uses 38% of the global land surface. Further agricultural expansion into new areas can lead to deforestation, which in turn releases stored carbon dioxide and reduces carbon storage capacity. Farming processes are then responsible for 70% of freshwater withdrawals and 78% of ocean and freshwater pollution (largely through manure, fertilizer and pesticide runoffs). Livestock production alone (including manure and gastroenteric releases), accounts for 11.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.  The processing, packaging, transportation and storage process takes a further environmental toll through energy and water use, raw materials, and emissions associated with equipment and machinery. Much of this food packaging is plastic, and ends up polluting the natural world and killing wildlife. Finally, rotting food (either on the farm or in landfill) releases methane into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. How does food waste come about? On farms, food waste can occur through inefficient machinery that leaves a portion of the harvest in the field.  Unpredictable or adverse weather can also impact harvests, while low market prices or higher base costs can reduce the economic viability of harvesting. In transit, waste can occur due to poor infrastructure that lengthens journeys and damages produce, or inappropriate conditions such as excess heat or humidity. In food processing, food might be wasted by poor planning, outdated equipment, inefficient food handling and a lack of monitoring to pick up on problems fast. When food gets to stores and restaurants, bad planning and management can cause waste through overstocking and inadequate food handling processes. A lot of food waste also occurs within the home. This might be due to poor planning so too much food is bought, or a lack of awareness about why food waste is important and how date labels should be interpreted. Inefficient cooking practices including storage and portioning can also contribute. 10 ideas that could make a difference to food waste There is no one measure that will address food waste, but these initiatives could make a difference: 1.      Gleaning Simply finding a home for unwanted food is part of the solution. This might involve letting community groups access leftover crops that are slightly past their best, or where market fluctuations reduce demand. The same principle applies to food waste from restaurants, shops and farms. Organizations like FareShare and Oddbox are helping to redistribute this food. 2.      Accepting imperfect produce Huge volumes of produce are wasted because they don’t meet cosmetic criteria – the wrong size, bumpy or blemished. So-called ‘wonky’ product lines already provide imperfect produce at a lower price point, however further education is required to save more ‘imperfect' produce from landfill. 3.      More efficient machinery Inefficient machinery causes waste on farms and in factories. Investment schemes (such as the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund in the UK), good maintenance and modern management practices can reduce waste occurring in this way. 4.      Invest in transport infrastructure Bad roads increase food waste due to longer journeys and bruising – in hotter countries with a shortage of refrigerated trucks, this is a particular problem. Improved infrastructure could help, as well as processing facilities so food can be dried or packaged to preserve it. 5.      Redesign food packaging Whilst food packaging is often a major source of plastic waste, it also plays a role in preventing food spoilage. Good packaging needs to balance plastic reduction with food protection to extend shelf life. Products being sold in a range of sizes can prevent waste in smaller households, while labelling about storage, cooking and freezing can ensure more food gets eaten. 6.      Improve forecasting Food is produced to fulfill orders from customers, but if calculations change and an order is reduced, waste can occur at factory or farm level. AI-powered forecasting models can provide greater clarity about the quantities that suppliers will need to provide to retailers. 7.      Encourage meal planning Around 70% of food waste in the UK occurs at a household level. Menu planning and using a shopping list can help consumers make healthy choices as well as avoiding food heading to the bin. Education about food storage can also prevent waste. 8.      Choose local produce The further a product travels, the more chance there is of temperature variation or friction causing spoilage. Road miles also add to the carbon cost of food. Eating food that is produced locally and avoiding exotic or out-of-season produce can help reduce waste. 9.      Change how food is displayed Supermarkets can predict how much produce they will sell, but often put more than this on display to create a sense of abundance. Changing customer expectations or using smaller display units may help to ensure that food isn’t put out for show only to be discarded. 10.  Scrap best before dates Many UK supermarkets have scrapped best before dates from produce such as apples, potatoes and pears. Some products still have a use by date that confirms when a product might become unsafe to eat, rather than slightly less fresh. Standards that can help to cut food waste There are many standards that can support organizations looking to target food waste and the associated environmental cost: BS 8001 Circular economy a world-first standard supporting waste prevention, resource efficiency, eco-design and remanufacturing. BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management systems designed to help organizations continually monitor and find areas for improvement. PAS 2060 Carbon neutrality provides support to achieve and demonstrate carbon neutrality. BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental management systems providing guidance on how to reduce the impact of business procurement, storage, distribution, product development and manufacturing on the environment. PAS 440 Responsible Innovation can be implemented by organizations working in areas such as biotechnology, to address ways to use food waste innovatively to provide new food sources. BS ISO 14051 Environmental management. Material flow cost accounting provides a general framework for material flow cost accounting, which can in turn help identify opportunities to simultaneously generate financial benefits and reduce adverse environmental impacts. BS ISO 14046 Environmental management. Water footprint. Principles, requirements and guidelines specifies principles, requirements and guidelines related to water footprint assessment of products, processes and organizations based on life cycle assessment (LCA). Reducing food waste doesn’t have a simple solution, and will rely on a concerted effort from field to fork. However, reducing waste by even a fraction will provide an important part of the fight against climate change. Standards can help to guide the way. Discover BSI Knowledge Over 100,000 internationally recognized standards are available for simple and flexible access with a BSI Knowledge subscription. Our tailored subscription service allows you to build your own custom collection of standards or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, keeping you up to date with any changes. With support from a dedicated BSI account manager, our subscription service helps you achieve a more coherent and effective approach to best practice. Request to learn more.Read more
PAS 402: A key tool for transparent and sustainable waste management
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PAS 402: A key tool for transparent and sustainable waste management

In response to the growing demand for standardized, transparent, and sustainable waste management practices, PAS 402 offers a comprehensive framework for reporting and improving recycling quality and resource recovery in the industry. PAS 402:2025 Waste resource management – Performance reporting – Specification is a revised sponsored standard that offers a framework for accurate, reliable, and transparent waste performance reporting. Its use supports an evolving industry focused on quality, traceability, and resource recovery. Why is PAS 402 important for the waste resource management industry? The waste resource management industry is witnessing rapid change, with increasing focus on sustainable practices and efficient recycling processes. However, despite many standards addressing specific waste types (such as plastics or soils) or equipment, there has been a notable absence of a universal standard covering the broader spectrum of waste management practices and reporting requirements. Domain research revealed this gap, highlighting a need for a standardized approach to report on the operational and recovery performance of waste management organizations, regardless of the type of waste handled. In response to these findings, PAS 402 was developed. Initially published in 2009 and updated in 2013, the 2025 version of PAS 402 reflects the latest advancements in recycling technologies and industry best practices. It introduces requirements for data, traceability, and quality control in recycling, allowing waste management practices to adhere to high standards in the United Kingdom’s accredited certification schemes. What does PAS 402 cover? PAS 402:2025 provides a robust structure for waste resource management organizations to standardize their performance reporting across industrial, commercial, and household waste processing. The PAS specifies the necessary components for performance reports, including: Operational reporting: Organizations shall detail how they conduct waste resource management activities, spanning processes from initial intake to final disposal or recovery. Clauses 4 through 11 lay out precise reporting requirements for these activities, offering consistency across the industry. Material recovery rates: To support circular economy goals, organizations are required to report on their material recovery rates as outlined in Clause 12. This facilitates the effectiveness of recycling and accurate tracking and verification of recovery processes. Operational management and quality control: PAS 402 includes updated terminology, process management methods, preventive actions, and performance review practices. It also offers calculation methods and sample tables to determine landfill diversion rates, reflecting a commitment to minimize landfill contributions. Compliance with PAS 402: Although PAS 402 does not apply to organizations solely operating as intermediaries that operate between waste producers and waste management facilities, it does support organizations involved in waste treatment, disposal, and transfer. For organizations navigating compliance, the Green Compass Scheme offers guidance to meet PAS 402’s reporting requirements effectively. We have a range of documents that can support organizations of all sizes achieve their circular economy goals. Browse our standard library here. Which organization should use PAS 402? PAS 402:2025 is invaluable for waste resource management organizations involved in processing waste at transfer stations, treatment facilities, or disposal sites. It is especially beneficial for entities focused on improving recovery rates and landfill diversion while adhering to high environmental standards. By adopting PAS 402, organizations align with accredited waste management reporting practices, contributing to a circular economy where materials are consistently reused, recycled, and repurposed. Other key benefits include: Enhanced transparency and accountability: PAS 402 promotes clear, accurate reporting on waste management activities, helping organizations to build trust with stakeholders. Alignment with industry best practices: The standard offers a unified reporting framework, allowing organizations to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Support for sustainability goals: PAS 402’s focus on traceability and recovery rates helps organizations improve recycling practices, supporting the larger goals of resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Increased operational efficiency: By standardizing processes and performance reviews, organizations can streamline their operations and enhance waste recovery quality. PAS 402 makes reference to environmental agencies across the United Kingdom, including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. If you’re part of a waste management organization looking to enhance your performance reporting and align with industry-leading standards, download your free copy of PAS 402:2025 here. Develop a standard with BSI Both private and public sectors can sponsor a fast-track standard with our expert guidance. A fast-track standard establishes best practices for products, services, and processes. BSI offers two main pathways: a PAS standard, or an iterative BSI Flex standard, both of which are tailored to your industry's needs. Learn more here.
Reducing food waste in the supply chain with standards
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Reducing food waste in the supply chain with standards

Every year more than 250,000 tonnes of food which is processed, packaged and ready-to-eat is wasted by producers, manufacturers and retailers in the UK supply chain, for reasons ranging from inaccurate demand forecasting and packaging errors, to damage in transit or retailer rejections. These losses translate into real money which businesses are wasting, and the disposal of produce still fit for consumption; which could be better used in communities experiencing food poverty. This would be bad enough in a normal year but, against a backdrop of financial hardship faced by many in the last two years, it has never been more obvious that food waste is socially, economically, and environmentally unacceptable. The Covid-19 pandemic shone a new light on the UK’s food waste issue, as well as making situations worse in some cases. Farmers and manufacturers supplying the hospitality and airline sectors, for instance, have grown and produced food only for orders to be cancelled, and huge surpluses generated. But the underlying problems have been with us for a long time. Food Waste: A Global Outlook The world, as a global food community, is more aware than ever of the impact food waste has on our planet and people. It’s well-documented that around a third of the world’s food resources are lost annually as waste.  These losses have huge economic impacts for businesses and consumers and can also result in severe food shortages and malnourishment, particularly in developing countries. In developing countries, more waste tends to arise at earlier stages of the supply chain, for example, through food being spoiled during storage and transportation, while here in the UK most food waste – around 70% of all post-farm-gate losses - arises at the very end of the supply chain, in other words in our homes. With clean growth at the heart of the UK government’s industrial strategy, the food system needs to make fundamental changes. As an industry, there is a need to rethink how food is produced and how natural capital is used, so we can ensure resilient future food systems that give everyone access to healthier and more sustainable food. The environmental costs from food waste are significant too. Around 20-30% of total global greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the food system. It’s a priority area for the net zero agenda, and standards such as BS 8001, PAS 2050, and PAS 2060, will all play a vital role in helping the sector shift to more sustainable operations. The embedded impacts of the water, energy, fertilizer and other resources which went into producing it in the first place must also be considered. For these reasons food waste is the subject of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. Its aim is to have halved by 2030 the world’s per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels, and to reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. Other Key Standards Supporting Food Waste Reduction At BSI, we engage with industries, businesses and governments to create consensus-based solutions defining what ‘good’ looks like. Through our work with organizations driving change in the food industry, we’ve created standards that address the industry’s shifting landscape and support ways of positively impacting our planet and people. For example, PAS 440 Responsible innovation has been implemented by organizations working in areas such as biotechnology, to address ways to use food waste innovatively to provide new food sources. Our collaboration with the food industry has also led to fast-track standards, such as PAS 96, the guide to protecting and defending food and drink from deliberate attack, and PAS 224 on the criteria to define 100% plant-based foods. Want to access and manage the standards you need to reduce food waste in your supply chain - all in one place? With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the essential standards you need to work confidently and optimize your supply chain. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to our GBM37 Food Technology module and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more. Ensure you are managing food waste within your supply chain by adding these standards to your collection today.

Key Food Waste Standards

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