Extending product life to cut food waste

WRAP estimates that an increase of just one day on product life across a range of foods could prevent around 250,000 tonnes of food waste each year, in UK households and in the supply chain, by giving consumers longer to eat the food they buy.

In a new report published this week – Reducing food waste by extending product life – WRAP has assessed the amount of product life available to consumers on shelf, and reviewed how product life codes such as ‘use-by’ and ‘best-before’ dates are currently set by retailers, brands and food manufacturers.

The study examined a range of popular foods where there are typically relatively high levels of waste. It estimates the potential overall tonnage and financial savings by scaling-up data from these products to all food groceries. WRAP’s findings give an indication of the significant potential benefits available to industry and consumers.

WRAP identified opportunities to make simple and safe changes throughout the supply chain and pass on more product life to consumers.

Dr Richard Swannell, director of sustainable food systems at WRAP, says, “The findings in our report are a real opportunity for industry. By implementing these simple recommendations, food manufacturers and retailers can make a big difference in the battle against food waste without even having to change products and packaging. We estimate that shoppers could save upwards of £500 million, and businesses could save £100 million in waste prevention alone.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to take action here – we’ve identified the business case based on savings in the true cost of waste and the potential for increased sales from better availability. The report is part of our continuing work to reduce food waste and we’re keen to work with industry on how best to act on this information.”