TCLP and WRAP partner to curb food waste via commercial contracts
Legal non-profit The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) has joined forces with climate action NGO WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) to launch an updated contractual tool aimed at reducing food waste across commercial supply chains.
The collaboration introduces a revamped version of “Runa’s Clause,” a practical legal framework designed to embed food waste reduction directly into procurement and supply chain management contracts.
By shifting food waste targets from voluntary corporate goals into legally binding agreements, the initiative provides businesses with a mechanism to slash operational costs while significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The updated clause places a stronger emphasis on data and accountability. Under its new terms, businesses are required to measure the exact tonnage of food waste they generate, record all mitigation initiatives, and formally report progress against specific reduction targets.
To maintain industry alignment, the clause encourages companies to use standardised frameworks, such as WRAP’s Food Waste Data Capture Sheet. It is also designed to integrate with established best-practice benchmarks, including WRAP’s UK Food and Drink Pact and the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap.
According to the partners, through this contractual framework, businesses can improve visibility across their value chains, allowing them to work collaboratively with suppliers to identify the root causes of surplus food and implement immediate, practical solutions.
The collaboration addresses a major financial pain point for the food and beverage industry. According to WRAP, the financial losses associated with food disposal are steep.
“Last year, the average cost incurred by a company for every tonne of food waste it generated ranged between £1,638 and over £4,200, across various sectors,” said Caroline Conroy, senior specialist food system transformation at WRAP. “The updated Runa’s Clause will be welcome news for businesses, as it means they can reduce costly food waste at the contract stage and avoid these heavy, persistent losses.”
The environmental implications are equally stark; WRAP data reveals that reducing just a single tonne of food waste prevents nearly 4 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) from entering the atmosphere.
Ben Metz, executive director at TCLP, stressed the power of legal architecture in corporate climate strategy: “Contracts are one of the most powerful levers businesses have to drive change across supply chains. By building food waste reduction directly into contracts, companies can move from good intentions to measurable impact.”
The contractual tool is already seeing real-world implementation. UK-based food manufacturer English Provender Company — a major supplier of sauces, dressings, and condiments to leading retailers and foodservice businesses — has received board approval to adopt the updated clause.
Carl Steckerl, business lead for ESG at English Provender Company’s parent organisation, The Billington Group, noted that the company adopted the principles of Runa’s clause to actively “increase transparency in cases of avoidable waste” and establish collaborative ways of working with both suppliers and customers.
Moving forward, WRAP will actively advise its network of industry partners to incorporate the updated clause into their supply chain management systems to protect margins and meet evolving corporate sustainability commitments.
