Approach

Bridging data gaps in food waste management

One of the main challenges in addressing food waste is related to the quantification of the food waste due to the differences among the existing frameworks for collecting and measuring food waste data, mainly due to: 1) the use of different definitions of food loss and/or waste by EU Member States; 2) the lack of common system boundary conditions; and 3) data inconsistency due to the different quantification methods adopted. WASTEWISE will tackle these issues by reviewing the quality of each reported data point and by tracking the actual datasets, identifying, and filling in data gaps and providing more specific food waste information within a detailed food subgroup level.

Integrating environmental impact assessment into food waste assessment

Another critical challenge is represented by the difficulty of combining food waste data with environmental impact data. WASTEWISE will develop methodologies to integrate environmental impact assessment into food waste assessment in a number of prioritised food categories, by also considering the rebound effects of food waste prevention and reduction. Altogether, WASTEWISE will create a more holistic view of the environmental impact and nutrition losses of food waste, and the socio-economic and environmental implications of food waste prevention and reduction.

Enhancing policies for food waste prevention and reduction

Current policies fail to integrate food waste in sustainable policy frameworks. First, due to the complex nature of food system, it is difficult to predict the impact of different actions. Second, the topics of food waste prevention and reduction are not addressed in national climate and energy plans to mitigate GHG emissions. Based on the obtained results, WASTEWISE will discuss and propose policy recommendations and instruments that can serve to pursue relevant EU environmental objectives by addressing the prevention and reduction of food waste, and by always ensuring a multi-stakeholder approach. In this way, WASTEWISE will ensure meaningful progress in the fight against food waste, enabling Europe to meet its 2030 targets and inspiring global action.

Collaborative Approach to Food Waste

The multi-actor approach is at the heart of the WASTEWISE project, ensuring that research and innovation activities are grounded in real-world needs, experiences, and expertise from a wide range of stakeholders. This approach involves engaging actors from across the food supply chain—including farmers, processors, retailers, consumers, policymakers, NGOs, and the energy sector—throughout the entire project lifecycle.

A central element of this strategy is the establishment of five Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs) in the countries/regions represented in the consortium: Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Nordic Region involving Sweden and Finland. These MAPs serve as structured forums for dialogue, co-creation, and knowledge exchange among diverse participants. Each platform brings together representatives from public administrations, the private sector, civil society, and academia to collaboratively identify challenges, share best practices, validate project findings, and co-develop policy recommendations and innovative solutions.