Uniting against FLW: Strategies and solutions from the SISTERS webinar 

27 October 2023

The fight against food loss and waste (FLW) took centre stage during the SISTERS Annual Webinar, titled “Optimizing Logistics to Minimize Food Loss & Waste,” held on 24th October and organised by Safe Food Advocacy Europe (SAFE) and Innovarum within the framework of the SISTERS Project’s work package 7 (WP7).  The event focused on the solutions to tackle food loss and waste, a pervasive global issue with far-reaching consequences, impacting not only food security but also presenting serious environmental and economic challenges. Representatives from the civil society involved in European projects and from EU institutions discussed the solutions identified to address the issue and the regulatory framework that should support these endeavours.

The primary aim of the webinar was to identify the root causes of food waste in the logistics stage of the food value chain and propose effective policies at both the EU and local levels to combat this issue. Additionally, it served as a platform to introduce innovative solutions recommended by the SISTERS project and other EU initiatives working towards reducing FLW.

Another important goal was to promote collaboration among European organisations dedicated to combating food loss and waste, fostering knowledge exchange and facilitating more effective strategies to reduce food waste.

The webinar began with opening remarks by SAFE, highlighting the significance of improving logistics to minimise FLW, and saw active participation from the audience. DG SANTE provided insights into current EU actions on FW prevention, including policies and initiatives. The Horizon-funded projects SISTERS and ZeroW presented their policy feedback on food waste reduction targets, emphasising the latest developments in these projects and their potential impact.

AITIIP, the coordinator of the SISTERS project, discussed innovative strategies for optimising logistics and reducing food waste in the supply chain. Hørkram Foodservice shared industry best practices within the FoodRus project. NaturePlast explored the role of bioplastics in reducing the environmental impact of packaging and other logistics-related waste.

The Green Deal Support Office (GDSO) representative from Ecorys provided updates on the collaborative efforts of various EU-funded projects working to reduce FLW.

In conclusion, the SISTERS Annual Webinar facilitated valuable discussions among European stakeholders on effective strategies to address FLW in the logistics stage of the food value chain. By sharing insights, best practices, and policy recommendations, the webinar strengthened cooperation and networking, essential for a more sustainable and efficient food value chain in the future.