Nestlé says the new FLW standard for food waste is a major step forward for the industry on a global scale. The Food Loss and Waste Accounting and Reporting Standard, otherwise known as “FLW”, has been launched by Global Green Growth Forum (3GF). The FLW standard is the first of its kind and defines the reporting requirements for all businesses operating in the UK and internationally.
It will enable food manufacturers to be more consistent in their measuring, reporting and managing of food waste or loss. The FLW standard is the result of growing pressure on global governments to be more transparent in food waste with a view to reducing the loss of food to waste.
Conforming to FLW through standardised inventory will form the critical foundations to effective strategy in food loss and waste reduction. This can then be monitored with the data used to enhance and improve practices. Commentators also say FLW will better enable companies around the world meet international requirements set out by both the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Nestle welcomes the standard. Michiel Kernkamp, Nestlé’s Nordic Market Head acknowledged FLW as a “massive” step forward on a “global” scale in tackling food waste. He complimented the standard for its “clear targets” and its “full transparency”. He added that it will prove to be an “outstanding” tool to measure and manage progress.
Nestlé has revealed its commitment to continuing its efforts to challenge perceived traditions that have historically seen food wasted on a large scale. Leading by example, Nestlé says its endeavours will also help the supply chain, securing long-term relationships with producers in the agricultural sector of which the company relies upon.
The proof is in the pudding. Nestlé has, since 2005, reduced waste by 62% across 436 factories. Last year, the business revealed that 105 factories recorded zero waste with Nestlé committing to this target across all sites within the next four years.