10.3: Airlines and Airports can: Reduce food waste

This is the 3rd of 10 major actions the airline industry can do to:

Reduce food waste: Catering companies can work to reduce food waste by implementing composting programs, using food waste for animal feed, and donating leftover food to food banks and other organizations.

Reducing food waste is an important step towards achieving a circular economy for the airline industry. Here are some practical ways that catering companies and airlines can work towards reducing food waste:

  1. Implement a Food Waste Reduction Program

Catering companies can implement a food waste reduction program that tracks and analyzes food waste from various sources. This can be done by measuring the quantity of food waste generated, identifying the causes of waste, and developing strategies to prevent food waste from occurring. The program can also include training employees on food waste reduction strategies and setting targets for waste reduction.

  1. Donate Leftover Food

Catering companies can donate leftover food to food banks and other organizations that serve those in need. This can be done by coordinating with local charities and organizations to pick up and distribute the food. Donating food not only helps to reduce waste but also helps to address food insecurity in local communities.

  1. Implement Composting Programs

Composting programs can be implemented to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used for gardening and agriculture. Composting programs can be implemented on-site or off-site, depending on the resources available. Food waste can be collected separately and processed through a composting program to produce compost that can be used in landscaping and gardening.

  1. Use Food Waste for Animal Feed

Food waste can also be used for animal feed. Catering companies can coordinate with local farmers and ranchers to provide food waste for their animals. This not only reduces waste but also provides a sustainable source of feed for animals.

  1. Reduce Portion Sizes

Catering companies can reduce portion sizes and offer smaller meal options to reduce food waste. This not only reduces waste but also helps to promote healthier eating habits among passengers.

In conclusion, reducing food waste is an important step towards achieving a circular economy for the airline industry. By implementing a food waste reduction program, donating leftover food, implementing composting programs, using food waste for animal feed, and reducing portion sizes, catering companies and airlines can reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.

Here are some references to support the recommendations for reducing food waste in the airline industry:

  1. WRAP. (2019). Food Waste Reduction Roadmap: Hospitality and Food Service. Retrieved from https://wrap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-06/Food-waste-reduction-roadmap-for-HFS-sector.pdf

This resource provides guidance and best practices for reducing food waste in the hospitality and food service sector, which includes catering companies in the airline industry.

  1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Food Recovery Hierarchy. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery-hierarchy

The EPA's Food Recovery Hierarchy offers a framework for prioritizing actions to reduce and divert food waste. Donating food, composting, and using food waste for animal feed are strategies aligned with this hierarchy.

  1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2013). Food Wastage Footprint: Impacts on Natural Resources. Summary Report. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/i3347e/i3347e.pdf

This report by the FAO highlights the environmental impacts of food waste and emphasizes the need for reducing waste throughout the food supply chain.

  1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Food Waste Index Report 2021: Key Findings. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/report/food-waste-index-report-2021-key-findings

The Food Waste Index Report by UNEP provides global insights on food waste and the environmental consequences. It emphasizes the importance of reducing food waste to achieve sustainability goals.

These references offer insights into the significance of reducing food waste and provide guidance on implementing strategies to address the issue. This is an updated version of the original post.


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