New Standard a global step in fighting food waste, says Nestlé

The global Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard (FLW Standard) has been launched at 3GF (Global Green Growth Forum).

The FLW Standard is the first-ever set of global definitions and reporting requirements for companies, countries and others to consistently and credibly measure, report on and manage food loss and waste. The standard comes as a growing number of governments, companies and other entities are making commitments to reduce food loss and waste.

Creating inventories in conformance with the FLW Standard is a critical foundation to develop effective strategies for reducing food loss and waste and monitor progress over time. Moreover, it can help governments and companies meet international commitments, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Nestlé helped develop the standard

For the last three years, Nestlé has, in the framework of World Resource Institute (WRI), played a significant part in developing the standard.

Commenting on the new standard, Nestlé Nordic Market Head, Mr. Michiel Kernkamp, said: “We clearly see this standard as a massive, global step in fighting food loss and waste. The standard is outstanding in its setting of clear targets and in its full transparency. But maybe most of all it is outstanding as a tool where you can measure your steady progress within food loss and waste. What gets measured, can be managed.”

Nestlé has said it is committed to further playing its part in helping to reduce food loss and waste. Not only will reducing food loss and waste in the world help Nestlé to secure supplies of the agricultural raw materials needed at Nestlé, but it will also have a positive impact on society by supporting rural development, water conservation and food security.

Avoiding food waste through portion guidance

One of Nestlé’s efforts in improving nutrition, health and wellness, while at the same time fighting food waste, is the Nestlé Portion Guidance initiative. It is a voluntary initiative designed to bridge international dietary recommendations and nutrition labelling regulations. This guidance is presented through product form, pack design, clear illustrations and, occasionally, a serving device or dispensing machine.

Mr. Kernkamp commented on the Guidance: “In recent years, there has not been full clarity to the consumer of how much is right to eat. We need to change that. Nestlé is committed to improve communications on for instance the packs to enable the consumers to eat the portion sizes that is right for every individual. By preparing and eating the right portion, of course there is a significant benefit of avoiding food waste and improving health.”

Waste at the production level

Since 2005, the company has reduced total waste for disposal from the 436 Nestlé factories by 62%. At the end of 2015, 105 Nestlé factories (22%) achieved zero waste for disposal. Nestlé has committed to achieve zero waste for disposal in all its sites by 2020.

Mr. Kernkamp concluded: “We will now – with the use of the FLW Accounting and Reporting Standard – further optimize our efforts to reduce food loss and waste. Under the leadership of our CEO who launched the Champions 12.3 coalition earlier this year together with WRI, we will advocate for this standard worldwide wherever and whenever this is possible – for instance in Consumer Goods Forum representing more than 400 of the world’s largest retailers and manufacturers and service providers from 70 countries.”