New clause launched to cut food waste in UK

The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) has announced its collaboration with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) to update Runa’s Clause, aiming to help businesses tackle food waste in supply chains. The updated clause provides a practical legal tool that enables organisations to measure, reduce, and report food waste effectively. By aligning with recognised frameworks and best practices, the new clause addresses crucial sustainability commitments while also targeting the financial implications of food waste.

The significance of reducing food waste is twofold; it not only lowers costs but also diminishes greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transport, and disposal of wasted food. The updated requirements encourage entities to quantify the tonnage of food waste, document reduction initiatives and results, and track their progress against specific waste reduction targets. This approach promotes the use of official frameworks such as WRAP’s Food Waste Data Capture Sheet and integrates seamlessly with initiatives like the UK Food and Drink Pact and Food Waste Reduction Roadmap.

Among the first to adopt the updated clause is the English Provender Company, a UK-based manufacturer known for its sauces and condiments. Their board's approval underscores the growing recognition of the value in embedding food waste reduction principles directly into contracts. By doing so, businesses can foster more transparent supply chains and actively engage with their suppliers to pinpoint root causes of food waste and implement effective remedies.

Ben Metz, Executive Director at The Chancery Lane Project, expressed the potential of this initiative by stating that “contracts are one of the most powerful levers businesses have to drive change across supply chains." He highlighted that incorporating food waste reduction directly into contracts enables companies to transition from “good intentions to measurable impact”. This collaborative approach encourages dialogue with suppliers, facilitating the realisation of sustainability ambitions.

Caroline Conroy, Senior Specialist for Food System Transformation at WRAP, noted the financial implications of food waste for businesses. She revealed that, within various sectors, the average cost of food waste per tonne could range from £1,638 to over £4,200. The updated clause promises to be transformative by allowing businesses to mitigate these losses right from the contract stage. Furthermore, she emphasised the environmental benefit, explaining how reducing a tonne of food waste can prevent nearly four tonnes of CO2e emissions.

Carl Steckerl, Business Lead for Environmental, Social and Governance at English Provender Company, highlighted their commitment by stating, “The Billington Group is committed to reducing our food waste both within our business and the value chains in which we operate.” They have embraced the principles of Runa's Clause, focusing on enhancing transparency surrounding preventable waste and strengthening collaborative efforts with suppliers and customers.

Through legal design innovations, the use of legal tech, and illustrative legal playbooks, The Chancery Lane Project remains dedicated to empowering organisations with practical tools and guidance to implement climate-responsive solutions that drive both decarbonisation and sustainable practices in the food supply chain.