Food Waste

To successfully become an expert in rating the topic of food waste, it is essential to understand that it poses a multi-dimensional problem with varied implications to grasp. The consequences of food waste extend beyond humanitarian concerns and delve into the environmental realm.

Humanitarian Issue

Globally, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted throughout the production and consumption chain. This amounts to 1.3 billion tonnes of food, which could feed all undernourished individuals worldwide. The waste varies across regions, with developing countries experiencing more waste in agricultural production, while developed countries see higher levels of food waste at the retail and consumer level.

Environmental Issue

The global food system contributes to 30% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with half of these emissions attributed to food waste. Most food waste worldwide ends up in landfills, where it undergoes anaerobic decomposition due to the lack of oxygen. This process releases not only CO2 but also methane, a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and is 25 times more potent than CO2.

In addition, wasting food results in the depletion of valuable resources such as water and energy. Food that is lost and wasted accounts for 38% of the total energy usage in the global food system. This means that a significant amount of energy, which could have been utilized more efficiently, is expended on producing food that ultimately goes to waste. In terms of water usage, approximately 70% of all freshwater usage worldwide is dedicated to agriculture, encompassing irrigation and livestock water supply. Within this context, it is alarming to note that the total volume of water used each year to produce food that is ultimately lost or wasted amounts to a staggering 250 million m3.

Assessing Companies' Impact on Food Waste

At Impaakt, we delve into the impact of food waste within the following industries: Cruise Lines, Food Retailers & Distributors, Hotels & Lodging, Processed Foods, and Restaurants. It's crucial to recognize that many companies operating in these sectors not only contribute to food waste but also profit from it by employing marketing strategies that encourage overconsumption, thereby exacerbating the issue.

👉Note: Impact topics are a set of social and environmental impacts identified by the Impaakt Team to provide an additional layer of complex insight into measuring current impact. They range from general themes like Greenhouse Gas emissions and Job Creation to industry-specific topics such as Gentrification and Water Pollution. Check our Frameworks section for more information.

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