Projects

Application of the Food Waste Protocol in the Dairy Processing Industry, 2024

The dairy processing industry is a significant contributor to Ireland’s economy both in terms of employment and economic benefit. The Food Waste Charter is a voluntary agreement for food sector businesses and organisations to pledge their commitment to reduce food waste. Led by the EPA Food Waste Prevention team, this collaborative programme has an emphasis on measurement and reporting and actions required to build capacity for food waste reduction in the manufacturing, retail and food service sectors. Businesses signing up to the Charter commit to measure their food waste, set targets and take action to reduce food waste, and to report annually on progress. A number of key resources and supports for the Food Manufacturing sector have been developed as part of this programme of work, including a standard food waste measurement tool for businesses, “EPA Food Waste Measurement Protocol”. The tool was previously trialled with several businesses in the Bakery, Prepared Food, and Seafood sectors by CTC. The objectives of this project were to trial the protocol in the dairy products sector, produce guidance for the sector and undertake food waste assessments with the co-operation of a number of companies in the industry.