Report says food waste reductions may save $300bn per year

A new report by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has revealed that the reduction in consumer food waste may save between $120bn and $300bn a year by 2030.

The value of worldwide consumer food waste is more than $400bn a year, with one third of the entire food produced in the world going to waste.

The rise in the global middle-class demographic is expected to increase the cost to $600bn.

WRAP said the reduced food waste will also contribute to tackling climate change as close to 7% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are the result of food waste.

The food waste reductions are expected to lower about 0.2 billion tonnes of global GHGs by 2030.

WRAP sustainable food systems director Richard Swannell said: "Food waste is a global issue and tackling it is a priority. This report emphasises the benefits that can be obtained for businesses, consumers and the environment.

"Consumers also have a role to play. In the United Kingdom, where we are based, the majority of food waste occurs in the home.

"Through our consumer campaign Love Food Hate Waste, we empower consumers with advice and tips on how to waste less and save more. Between 2007 and 2012, this helped householders reduce avoidable food waste by 21%, saving a total of £13bn."

WRAP said about 25% of food waste in the developing world could be removed with better refrigeration equipment.

Other initiatives such as lowering the average temperatures of refrigerators or designing better packaging, can make a considerable difference in preventing spoilage.