Tuesday 30 June 2020
UK’s largest meat businesses announce ambition to halve the amount wasted each year
A total of 38 of the UK’s largest meat producers and retailers have come together to announce their ambition to halve the amount of meat wasted across the country each year.
The organisations have signed up to 'Meat in a Net Zero world', an initiative developed under the Courtauld Commitment 2025 and facilitated by WRAP - signatories of the scheme now include all major grocery retailers, processors representing 80% of UK production and hospitality and food service companies.
Supported by key trade bodies including the National Farmers Union, the Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board, the British Meat Processors Association, the British Poultry Council, the British Retail Consortium, Hybu Cig Cymru, the National Pig Association, Quality Meat Scotland and the Sustainable Restaurant Association, it aims to reduce waste and help the UK achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
WRAP estimates that currently, around 380,000 tonnes of all meat intended for consumption in the UK each year goes uneaten, with emissions associated with this wasted meat measuring more than four million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents.
It hopes to reduce this by identifying the areas of biggest impact and finding opportunities to overcome barriers while avoiding the risk of moving problems along the supply chain - it notes an important first step is 'to agree and adopt a consistent approach for measuring emissions'.
Peter Maddox, Director of WRAP, said: “There has never been a more critical time for action in our food system, and the current Covid-19 situation further illustrates this. I am delighted that despite the incredible pressure the sector is under keeping the nation fed, organisations remain committed to the ambitious sustainability goals laid out in Meat in a Net Zero world. And that WRAP could help industry develop and launch such a bold strategy.
"It is key that the focus is on every link in the supply chain from production, processing and sale, through to the customer – whether they are eating in or outside of the home. I’m confident that Meat in a Net Zero world will have a significant impact towards achieving our national and global targets. And believe this has the potential to become a blueprint that other nations will emulate.”
WRAP says it will ensure participating companies are held to account by publicly reporting on progress.
