The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is set to kick off its 16th edition from 16 to 24 November 2024. During this week, 12,724 actions focusing on waste reduction, product reuse and repair, materials recycling, and clean-ups will take place across 29 countries in Europe and beyond.

For more information on the EWWR 2024, please consult our comprehensive Press File.

Tackling food waste to transform Europe’s food systems

The 16th edition of the European Week for Waste Reduction seeks to raise awareness about the strong environmental impact of food waste, joining forces to change the way we produce, consume and distribute food in Europe. Through actions and inspiring initiatives, the EWWR community encourages participants to rethink their relationship with food and raises awareness of its environmental, economic, and social impact. EWWR chose food waste as its thematic focus for the second time, after 2014.

Food waste includes all food (and inedible parts) removed from the human food supply chain in sectors like manufacturing, retail, food service, and households. The EU generates over 59.2 million tonnes of food waste annually—132 kg per person—while over 37 million people can’t afford a quality meal every other day. Globally, about one-third of food produced is wasted. UNEP data shows that in 2019, 931 million tonnes of food waste (17% of global production) was generated, mostly by households, food service, and retail. This waste has significant economic and environmental impacts. In Europe alone, food waste has an estimated market value of 132 billion euros and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions due to cropland use, water, and fertilizers needed for food production.

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