What is Food Waste Emissions?
Carbon emissions from food that is produced but not consumed. Food waste in landfill produces methane, while wasted food also represents embodied emissions from production and transport.
Why it matters
Food waste represents both wasted emissions and additional methane generation in landfill. WRAP estimates that UK food waste generates 25 million tonnes of CO₂e annually. Reducing waste is one of the most cost-effective carbon reduction strategies in the food sector.
Example
A hotel group tracks food waste across its 15 properties and finds an average of 0.12 kg waste per cover. Implementing portion control, prep standardisation, and a composting programme reduces waste by 35% and saves £180,000 per year.
Related terms
Waste Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from waste management activities including landfill, incineration, and recycling. Landfill waste produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Scope 3 Emissions
All other indirect emissions occurring in an organisation's value chain, both upstream and downstream. Scope 3 typically represents 70-90% of a company's total carbon footprint and includes emissions from suppliers, business travel, employee commuting, and product use.
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