Technological watch
WRAP's response to the European Green Deal and Circular Economy for Textiles
>Today the European Commission announced steps to tackle food waste and textiles, as part of its European Green Deal and Circular Economy for Textiles.
Dr Richard Swannell FRSA, Director of Impact Growth WRAP - who addressed the EU Parliament on food waste in July - said, “Last year, WRAP revealed the shocking fact that of 193 countries submitting Nationally Determined Contributions at COP, only nine committed to reducing food waste. With global food production alone currently pushing the Earth beyond the 1.5°C mark, this dangerous lack of foresight into our food system risks undermining essential climate action efforts. Today’s announcement by the European Commission for Member States to set food waste reduction targets is a positive step forward.
“The UK is working towards an ambitious target to halve its own food waste by 2030, in line with the UN’s global ambition, and is already more than halfway to that goal. There is a real opportunity for more of the world to tackle the environmental impacts and social injustices of food waste.
"It is also good to see a serious focus being put on clothing. WRAP’s research has set out how an EPR for textiles could work in the UK, which we believe is vital to tackle the huge environmental issues linked to textiles, and support a move towards fibre-to-fibre recycling.”
Dr Richard Swannell FRSA, Director of Impact Growth WRAP - who addressed the EU Parliament on food waste in July - said, “Last year, WRAP revealed the shocking fact that of 193 countries submitting Nationally Determined Contributions at COP, only nine committed to reducing food waste. With global food production alone currently pushing the Earth beyond the 1.5°C mark, this dangerous lack of foresight into our food system risks undermining essential climate action efforts. Today’s announcement by the European Commission for Member States to set food waste reduction targets is a positive step forward.
“The UK is working towards an ambitious target to halve its own food waste by 2030, in line with the UN’s global ambition, and is already more than halfway to that goal. There is a real opportunity for more of the world to tackle the environmental impacts and social injustices of food waste.
"It is also good to see a serious focus being put on clothing. WRAP’s research has set out how an EPR for textiles could work in the UK, which we believe is vital to tackle the huge environmental issues linked to textiles, and support a move towards fibre-to-fibre recycling.”
This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme
The website reflects only the author's view. The Commission is not responsible for any use thay may be made of the information it contains.Last update: 2022-01-31
