In collaboration with AECOC, one of the main business associations in Spain, IQS recently organized an event to raise awareness about food waste. The aim was to raise awareness among the entire university community about this serious problem and to present concrete solutions both in the business world and among consumers.
Held on 27 September, the event was attended by Dr Belén Derqui, Professor at the IQS School of Management, Nuria de Pedraza, Director of Communication and Institutional Relations at AECOC, Josep Castany, Head of Sustainability and Energy at Bonpreu, and Baptiste Revol, Head of Major Accounts at Phenix Spain, a startup committed to reducing food waste through its popular Phenix App.
With the aim of understanding the magnitude of food waste considering that millions of kilograms of food are thrown away annually, key data were shared and various business initiatives to reduce waste were presented, highlighting how consumers can optimize their use of food.
Some facts that were highlighted include:
- With 16% of the world’s population, Europe generates 14% of global food waste.
- If food waste were a country, Europe would be the third largest emitter of pollution after China and the United States.
- Belgium leads food waste in Europe, at 250 kg per household, surpassing Denmark, Greece, and Portugal.
- Countries that are below average include Spain, Sweden, Croatia, and Slovenia.
- Food production accounts for 70% of global water consumption.
- The main causes of food waste in households are poor planning and the short shelf life of products.
During the event, AECOC’s pioneering campaign “Food has no waste” was also presented. This initiative is spread across three lines of action: preventing waste along the entire value chain, redistributing products that are not sold, and raising awareness in society. Currently, more than 700 companies form part of this campaign.