WRAP and IFWC Launch WRAP EU to Drive Circular Living Across Europe
In a major step toward a more sustainable future, global environmental action NGO WRAP has partnered with the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC) to launch WRAP EU, a dedicated initiative aimed at tackling food waste, sustainable fashion, and plastic pollution across the European Union.
Operating from the heart of the EU, WRAP EU will build on the strengths of both organizations, initially focusing on reducing food waste in the hospitality and food service sectors before expanding into other key sustainability challenges. This strategic move aligns with the EU’s ambitious climate targets and aims to embed circular living into everyday business practices.
A Powerful Collaboration for Sustainability
The official launch of WRAP EU took place on January 28, 2025, in Paris, during a special meeting of IFWC programme members. The event was hosted by WRAP CEO Harriet Lamb and Director of Impact Growth Dr. Richard Swannell, alongside IFWC President Didier Sandoz and Executive Director Stéphane Leroux. The meeting brought together leading industry players, including Accor Group, Sodexo, Compass Group, Club Med, Elior, Louvre Hotels Group, and BWH Hotels France, all of whom are committed to cutting food waste and promoting sustainability.
A Global Vision for Circular Living
WRAP EU marks the organization’s third base outside the UK, following WRAP Asia-Pacific in Australia and WRAP Americas in Washington, D.C. With this expansion, WRAP aims to scale up its proven solutions for reducing waste and emissions across multiple industries.
Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, emphasized the importance of EU collaboration:
"Tackling climate change requires global action, and embedding WRAP in the EU allows us to drive circular living into boardrooms and households alike. Our track record in food waste reduction, combined with IFWC’s success, makes this the perfect partnership to amplify our impact."
Didier Sandoz, President of IFWC, highlighted the significance of this merger:
"Joining forces with WRAP strengthens our ability to reduce food waste across Europe. This partnership will help businesses cut emissions, save money, and contribute to the EU’s goal of halving food waste by 2030."
Driving Change in the Food Sector
The food service sector alone generates over €35 billion worth of food waste annually, making up 11% of Europe’s total food waste (Eurostat). IFWC members have already reduced food waste by 25% at 5,000 sites, and with WRAP EU’s support, the impact is expected to grow significantly.
Brune Poirson, Chief Sustainability Officer at Accor, stressed the need for urgent action:
"We must radically change our approach to food waste if we hope to meet the 2030 reduction targets. At Accor, we serve 200 million meals a year, so we have a crucial role to play. With AI-driven solutions, menu innovation, and staff training, we’re committed to transforming the food model—and WRAP EU will be a key partner in this mission."
A Broader Mission Beyond Food Waste
While WRAP EU’s initial focus is food waste, the initiative will soon expand into sustainable fashion and plastic reduction, leveraging WRAP’s expertise in circular economy solutions. By working with EU businesses, policymakers, and consumers, WRAP EU aims to reshape consumption habits and production models to minimize environmental impact.
Sodexo’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Mouna Fassi Daoudi, reinforced the importance of collaboration:
"Food waste reduction has been at the core of our mission, and partnering with WRAP EU takes this commitment to the next level. This collaboration is a game-changer for sustainability, benefiting both businesses and the planet."
Looking Ahead: Scaling Circular Living
WRAP EU is set to expand its team and launch new opportunities for collaboration in the coming months. As businesses and governments increasingly recognize the urgency of sustainability, WRAP EU aims to lead the transition toward circular living, ensuring that valuable resources are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.
With industry leaders onboard and a clear roadmap in place, WRAP EU is set to make a lasting impact—one that extends far beyond food waste and into the very fabric of how society consumes, recycles, and sustains the planet.
