Novae Restauration SA, a pioneering player in the Swiss food industry, has taken a significant stride towards sustainability by endorsing a cross-sector agreement aimed at curbing food waste. This pivotal move aligns with the Swiss Federal Council’s drive to slash avoidable food losses by 50% before 2030, a pivotal target under the Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of the 2030 Agenda.
Food waste emerges as a pressing environmental concern, causing unwarranted CO2 emissions, depletion of biodiversity, and needless land and water utilization. A quarter of the food system’s environmental impact is attributed to food waste, equating to almost half of Switzerland’s motorized private transportation impact. Novae Restauration’s commitment to this accord underscores the industry’s collective determination to address this challenge.
Recognizing the significance of this undertaking, the Federal Council’s action plan spans two phases, spanning 2022-2025. The initial phase focuses on self-regulation measures and is buttressed by public sector involvement and educational initiatives. By 2025, comprehensive data on food losses across the value chain will be disseminated, and the adequacy of the action plan’s measures will be assessed.
This transformative cross-industry agreement, signed on May 12, 2022, by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga and 28 prominent figures within Swiss food circles, exemplifies the dedication of various stakeholders to this cause. The signatories, representing trade, food service, food processing, and agriculture, pledge to adopt measurable reduction targets and report their progress annually, furthering the transparency and accountability vital for achieving these ambitious objectives. As Novae Restauration SA takes this stride, it beckons others to follow suit, reinforcing the pursuit of a sustainable and ecologically-responsible food future.