Report
The case for Extended Producer Responsibility for food products
This report, produced with Zero Waste Europe, argues that if the EU is serious about its food waste, climate, and circular economy goals, it must make those who profit from selling food take financial and operational responsibility for preventing food from becoming waste.
The EU will struggle to meet its 2030 food waste and climate targets without a new way to pay for food waste prevention and collection, and proposes introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for Food Products (EPRFP). Food waste is responsible for 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while EU citizens generate around 130 kg of food waste per person each year. Despite the obligation for EU Member States to separately collect biowaste from 2024, only about 26% of kitchen waste is currently captured, with the rest ending up in landfills or incinerated.
EPRFP would shift some of the financial and operational responsibility for food waste from municipalities and taxpayers, to those placing food on the EU market. EPRFF would apply to wholesalers, importers and retailers (only for their own “white label” products).
Read the full report to find out more about the rationale, benefits and practicalities of Extended Producer Responsibility for Food Products.
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BIC / Zero Waste Europe
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BIC / Zero Waste Europe
