Some of the challenges in reduction of FLW are missing and fragmented FLW data and arduous/inaccurate data collection processes and methods as well as lack of awareness throughout the supply chain and functioning policy framework.
In 2020, a resident of Slovenia discarded 68 kg of food and Romania 130 kg on average, and this figure only includes waste that has entered the public waste management system.
Systemic approach to collecting data
There is a lack of a systemic approach to collecting data and monitoring of FLW along the whole value chain.
New innovative ways of collecting data and including new data sources would provide a better insight into where the problems arise and allow interventions at critical stages of the value chain.
This would enable reduction of FLW in the long term through systemic innovation involving all relevant actors, such as local farmers, food producers, small retailers, supermarkets, NGOs, the HORECA sector, municipalities, etc.