What it means for kitchens
The European Union has taken another significant step towards a more sustainable food system. On 16 October 2025, the revised EU Waste Framework Directive entered into force, introducing new binding targets to reduce food waste by 2030.
Every year, around 59 million tonnes of food are wasted in the EU, equal to about 130 kilograms per person. The environmental cost is huge: roughly 16% of greenhouse gas emissions from the EU food system come from wasted food. Economically, food waste costs EU citizens €132 billion each year, while one in nine Europeans still struggles to afford quality meals.
New EU-wide reduction goals
The new directive sets binding reduction targets:
- 10% less food waste in processing and manufacturing
- 30% less food waste per capita in retail, restaurants, food services, and households
Member States will report progress using national data, and efforts will require collaboration across the food chain from producers to consumers.
Beyond numbers: a change in mindset
Reducing food waste is not only about targets or statistics. It’s about rethinking daily routines and making better use of the food already produced. Awareness, technology, and teamwork all play a part in this change.
At SmartKitchen, we see every day how digital tools help kitchens make waste visible and manageable. When staff can see where waste occurs, they can act – by adjusting production volumes and ensuring food is stored safely and efficiently.
Looking ahead to 2030
The new EU framework invites everyone in the food chain to view waste as a resource rather than an inevitable loss. With smart tools, clear data and motivated teams, the goals for 2030 are within reach. Every kilo saved makes a difference – for the kitchen, for people and for the planet.