It's a WRAP

We live in a plastic world – 8 million pieces of plastic find their way into the oceans every day, 320 million tonnes of plastic is generated globally every year (and set to double by 2034), and there are 5,000 items of marine plastic pollution per mile of beach in the UK. But this article is not all about plastic.

Research highlights that one third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted. In the UK this amounts to over £20 billion annually, with the average family throwing away £810 each year. If you’re a business in the Food & Drink sector, waste management is a critical factor in the supply chain and has a big impact on bottom-line profit. 

According to the Waste & Resource Action Programme (WRAP), by working collaboratively to act on this issue, organisations in the sector can achieve a 14:1 positive return on investment and help fulfil responsibilities to the environment.

WRAP is a charitable organisation set up in 2000 to promote sustainable waste management in the UK. It leads industry campaigns to deliver real change to businesses and individuals in the UK and beyond.

For instance, its Courtland Commitment 2025 is a ten-year commitment to identify priorities, develop solutions and implement changes to cut the carbon, water and waste associated with Food & Drink by at least one-fifth in 10 years.

WRAP believes that action to increase prevention of food waste could save businesses £300 million a year. It offers advice across all elements involved in the sector including; local authorities, agriculture, hospitality & food service, manufacturing & supply chain, and retail. 

Other sectors of focus include textiles and electrical. WRAP is also focused on the lifecycle of plastics from choice of polymer, through to packaging and waste recycling. This is an area dear to our hearts at Bishop Fleming, having just been recognised by Surfers Against Sewage as a ‘Plastic Free Champion’.

In the past WRAP has managed various grant programmes aimed at waste minimisation and recycling and has an open procurement framework for potential specialist suppliers. 

For the Food & Drink sector in particular, it is an excellent resource for information, advice and guidance on waste management. Details can be found on the WRAP website.