Statement from Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Impact Growth at WRAP:

Yesterday the UK Government published its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)  to 2035 and I'm delighted to see food loss and waste within this comprehensive and important document.

WRAP has been advising and urging all governments to prioritise food waste commitments loud and clear in their NDCs. Last year we reviewed the 195 NDCs submitted by nations attending COP29 and found that just 24 mentioned food loss and waste, only 12% of world governments attending this critical climate conference.

In his national statement at COP29 last November, the Prime Minister committed the United Kingdom to stand alongside those countries on the frontline of the climate crisis and, through the UK's NDC, reduce all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 81% on 1990 levels by 2035. Seeing food loss and waste in the UK's NDC then is a hugely welcome move from an administration keen to show the UK's leadership in this field.

Food loss and waste has huge impacts on the natural world and on people. The IPCC estimates that the food system contributes 37% to all GHG emissions, and yet some one third of food is wasted. It generates 8-10 per cent of GHG emissions – almost five times that of the aviation sector. Were it a country, food loss and waste would be the world's third largest GHG emitter after China and the USA.

In the Food Waste Index 2024 report UN Environment Programme found that both middle and high-income countries produce enormous levels of food waste, with our homes the largest contributor of all – from London to Lagos. But worst of all, this happens while an estimated 783 million people go hungry every day, and a third of humanity faces food insecurity.

That is why I am so delighted to see food loss and waste specifically mentioned in this way. Not only as a continued priority of the UK government, but as inspiration to other countries to follow suit, and join us in transforming our broken food systems.

There is a raft of good news in this year's NDC - Simpler Recycling - packaging EPR – DRS - a municipal recycling target of 65% in England - promises to develop policies to near eliminate biodegradable municipal waste - the Circular Economy Taskforce - a new Food Strategy - methane reduction by 30% by 2030 for the UK in line with the Global Methane Pledge. But you'll forgive me for singling out this pivotal moment for those working in the field of food loss and waste prevention.

We at WRAP welcome the strong signal the UK's NDC sends, that we are serious about transforming our broken food systems, and we will continue to collaborate with government and partners from across the private and public sector – and around the world - to drive forward this crucial work for the benefit of the environment, society and the economy.