Tools, best practices and recommendations to reduce consumer food waste: a compendium

Food waste is a pressing issue that has significant environmental, social, and economic consequences. In line with its commitment to the global Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3 of halving food waste by 2030, the European Union (EU) has implemented an extensive action plan to tackle this problem. In the EU, and many other parts of the world, most food waste occurs at the consumption stage. In order to tackle this hotspot of food waste generation, the European Consumer Food Waste Forum (ECFWF) - a pilot project involving experts from diverse backgrounds - has identified six intervention types to reduce consumer food waste, as well as recommendations for policymakers and other key players. The document, presented as a compendium, shows the main findings of this work, emphasizing the importance of taking a systemic approach that considers the key drivers and levers of change when targeting food waste reduction at the consumer level. It brings together tools, best practices and recommendations which policymakers, researchers, businesses, and practitioners can draw on to take action to reduce consumer food waste, in cooperation with other stakeholders. The compendium encourages collaboration and concrete actions to address food waste and promote the establishment of sustainable food systems.