Food Loss and Waste (FLW) is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for approximately 8-10% of total CO₂ emissions worldwide. In the European Union, FLW remains a pressing issue, prompting the EU Commission and Parliament to set ambitious 2030 FLW reduction targets as part of the Waste Framework Directive. Following an updated agreement between the EU Council and the newly elected Parliament in February 2025, these targets are now set to play a key role in the EU’s broader Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, aiming to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. 

Together with the project partners, we are actively contributing to the ZeroW Project, an initiative designed to support the EU’s FLW reduction goals. In WP8, under the leadership of SAFE, we are developing policy recommendations for the EU Commission, drawing insights from partial and general equilibrium model estimations by Wageningen University and Research and stakeholder meetings with key actors from the agri-food value chain and public authorities across the EU. Our work focuses on analysing the economic, environmental, and social trade-offs of different FLW reduction strategies and providing evidence-based guidance to policymakers. 

A crucial question in FLW reduction is how to achieve the 2030 targets in a feasible and equitable way. Our analysis highlights two possible approaches: 

Mandatory taxation to enforce FLW reductions 

  • Setting high, legally binding targets without sufficient incentives and coordination could lead to significant cost increases for producers and businesses. 
  • Our economic models suggest that the level of taxation needed to reach even modest FLW reduction targets, given current technology, would be very high, potentially leading to unintended trade-offs in sustainability and equity, including shifts in consumption composition, international trade, at home vs out of home consumption, which may lead to increased emissions and inequality. 
  • These policies could disproportionately impact low-income consumers, reducing their access to nutritious food and negatively affecting the diet quality of vulnerable groups.
  • Small agricultural producers and upstream actors in the supply chain could face additional financial pressure, limiting their ability to adapt. 

Innovation, Coordination, and Investment 

  • If FLW reduction is framed as an investment opportunity with economic and environmental returns, the focus should be on spreading innovation, fostering coordination across the value chain, and scaling up solutions.
  • Our findings suggest that targeted investments in technology, logistics, and supply chain efficiency can reduce FLW while maintaining affordability and economic viability.
  • The success of FLW reduction measures depends on shifting perceptions, creating incentives for cooperation, and engaging all stakeholders in the food system.
  • Systemic Innovation Living Labs (SILLs) tested in ZeroW demonstrate that technological and managerial innovations can help redistribute costs and benefits, making FLW reduction more feasible. 

While ambitious FLW reduction targets are necessary to engage stakeholders and mobilize action, the emphasis should be on how to reach them. Scaling innovation, fostering cooperation, and creating the right economic incentives, and taking into account the needs of the most vulnerable farmers and consumers rather than relying on mandatory taxation.

The Role of Logistics in FLW Reduction 

Efficient logistics and transportation systems play a critical role in minimizing food loss and waste along the supply chain. Reducing inefficiencies in storage, distribution, and retail operations can significantly lower waste levels, particularly for perishable products.

ITL is committed to spreading innovation and best practices in FLW reduction within its extensive network of logistics and transportation stakeholders. By fostering collaborative solutions, integrating digital tracking technologies, and optimizing transport networks, ITL aims to help reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and improve economic outcomes across the food value chain. 

Systemic Innovation Living Labs (SILLs) in ZeroW 

The ZeroW Project tests innovative FLW reduction strategies through nine SILLs: 

  1. FLW monitoring and assessment – Platform for capturing and assessing FLW data throughout the supply chain adopting a Data Space paradigm. 
  2. Sustainable and smart packaging – Packaging solution to extend the shelf-life of packaged products and facilitate stock management. 
  3. Wasteless greenhouse solutions – Computer-vision based systems to monitor growing tomatoes and forecast yields. 
  4. Mobile food valorisation as a service – Mobile unit for food valorisation as a service. 
  5. Ugly food identification – Technology for early stage ugly food identification. 
  6. Data driven production process control – IT system for the control and optimisation of the production process of chicken products. 
  7. Efficient food bank networks –  Supply-chain management tools and models for food banks and donor companies. 
  8. FLW valorisation through algae production – Pre-treatment process for turning food waste into micro-algae feed. 
  9. Informing and nudging consumers – Labels and tools for improving consumers dietary and purchase choices in regard to FLW. 

Reducing FLW is essential for climate action, food security, and economic resilience. Our work in the ZeroW Project underscores the importance of balancing ambitious targets with innovation and collaboration for preventing negative leakages.

To achieve the EU’s 2030 FLW targets, policymakers must focus on removing barriers to innovation, fostering cross-sector cooperation, and ensuring a just transition for all actors in the agri-food value chain.

Through SILLs and evidence-based policy recommendations, we aim to support a sustainable, fair, and effective approach to tackling FLW across Europe. 

🔗 For more information about ZeroW, visit the project page.