EN 
SK 
Food waste represents one of the most critical challenges of today – not only food and financial, but also environmental. New data shows that combating this phenomenon is essential in the fight against climate crisis.
📊 Significant climate impact
- Food waste accounts for approximately 8–10 % of global greenhouse gas emissions – more than air transport.
- Until 24 % of municipal waste in landfills is food, which decompose to release methane with up to 28 times stronger greenhouse effect than CO₂.
- ReFED and WWF estimate that stopping waste could reduce emissions by 6–10 %, which represents a key step towards achieving the Paris goals.
🔬 What did the new research reveal?
- Research from California shows that uniform date labels could eliminate 70,000 tons of food wasted annually.
- Sensors and apps in the US are delivering more accurate indications of food freshness – reducing waste and emissions.
🏭 Technological solutions in industry
- Senoptica develops smart packaging with sensors that qualify freshness status against dates.
- Projects to utilize leftover food (whey, avocado pulp, larvae) show the way to a circular economy – reducing waste, saving water, emissions and resources.
🌐 Political and global framework
- The UN and WHO call for the fight against food waste to be included in climate plans (NDCs), but up to 88 % countries did not do so.
- This threat is underscored by the fact that we will not prevent climate change without food waste reform.
💡 Industry as a driving force for change
| Area | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Packaging and date labels | Uniform, easy-to-read markings and clear icons |
| Sensor technologies | Smart packaging, QR codes, precise freshness marking |
| Circular economy | Transformation of residues into biofuel, feed, fertilizer |
| Donations and partnerships | Working with charities to redistribute food |
| Legislation | Waste reporting obligations, tax incentives, composting systems |
🌱 Why act now?
- Climate urgency – without a significant reduction in food waste, the Paris goals will remain unattainable.
- Economic losses – The EU loses annually €132 billion, households will lose more than €700 .
- Consumer pressure – up to 82 % prefers ecological and durable products .
✅ Challenge for the industry
The industry must move from passivity to active climate leadership. By investing in sensors, the circular economy and transparency, companies can reduce emissions, save money and build customer trust – while helping to stop climate change.
Stopping food waste is more than an ethical step – it is a climate imperative with strong economic and environmental benefits. Governments, consumers and businesses must join forces – the future of the planet depends on us ending this waste in time. Spring
