The European Union has provisionally agreed to introduce binding food waste reduction targets as part of its revision of the Waste Framework Directive. The legislation will introduce the following mandatory targets by 2030:

• Reduction by 10% in processing and manufacturing waste compared to the average amount of food waste generated in these sectors in 2021-2023
• Reduction by 30% per capita in waste from retail, restaurants, food services and households compared to the average amount of food waste generated in these sectors in 2021-2023

These are the first ever food waste reduction targets to be introduced at an EU level.

The legislation also encourages the donation of unsold but safe-to-eat food, recognising redistribution as a key tool in cutting waste.

Primary production is excluded from the targets in the agreement. However, the Commission will review and assess the inclusion of primary production by 2027, with the possibility of expanding the rules to cover farms and producers in the future.

Next steps 

The provisional agreement must now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament before undergoing legal linguistic revision. Adoption is expected October 2025.

Once formally adopted, EU member states will have up to 20 months to update their national laws to follow the new rules.