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Every second, nearly 2,000 kilograms of food are wasted in the EU. Food that could nourish communities. Food that required land, water, labour, and energy to grow. Food that—more often than not—ends up in landfills, accelerating climate change.
But now, the EU is taking action and Quest was among the panel of 70+ experts that pushed them in the right direction.
European policymakers have reached a deal on legally binding food waste reduction targets, aiming to cut waste by 30% per capita in retail, restaurants, and households by 2030. It’s an important step. A long-overdue one. But will it be enough?
The Reality of Food Waste in Europe
In 2022, the EU generated 59.2 million tonnes of food waste. That’s 132 kg per person—roughly the weight of a grown adult. The biggest culprit? Households, responsible for over half of all food waste. But restaurants, supermarkets, and food manufacturers also play a significant role.
And the cost is staggering:
- Financially, food waste costs EU consumers and businesses billions annually.
- Environmentally, it contributes to nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Ethically it’s an undeniable injustice in a world where one in ten people still face food insecurity.
So what’s changing and what will be the impact?
The new EU agreement sets legally binding targets to cut food waste by 10% in manufacturing and processing and by 30% per capita in retail, food services, and households by 2030. Large food businesses will be required to donate surplus food rather than discard it, ensuring more edible food reaches those in need.
Businesses will need rethink how they manage waste and redesign their operations to minimize losses and improve efficiency across production and distribution. They will also be the ones to bear financial responsibility for waste collection, sorting, and recycling.
Will it be enough?
While this agreement is a step in the right direction, several challenges remain:
- Will countries enforce the rules effectively? Policy is one thing—implementation is another.
- Are the targets ambitious enough? Food waste campaigners argue that we need even more aggressive reductions.
- How will businesses react? Will they truly embrace change, or look for loopholes?
A much-needed turning point?
The EU’s new deal is a sign of progress. It acknowledges that waste isn’t just an unfortunate byproduct—it’s a system failure. It pushes businesses and consumers alike to rethink how food is produced, consumed, and valued.
But regulation alone won’t solve this crisis. We need businesses that lead by example, citizens who demand better, and a collective shift in mindset—where food is cherished, not wasted.
Because at the end of the day, food is meant to be eaten, not thrown away.
Ready to take action on food waste?
It is time to reduce your negative impact, and most importantly make a positive change. We are here to help you on that journey.
