Scotland’s food waste has has decreased by 5.7 per cent since 2009, saving households £92million a year

Richard Lochhead has announced the Scottish Food Waste Reduction Target, a pledge to reduce food waste by 33 per cent by 2025. The target is part of Scotland’s campaign to develop the circular economy and could save businesses and households at least £500million.

23 February 2016 – Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has pledged to cut food waste in Scotland by a third by 2025, which could save businesses and households across the country at least £500million.

The Cabinet Secretary made his announcement during a visit with EU Environment Commissioner Karmenu Vella in Edinburgh to launch Scotland’s first Circular Economy Strategy.

Mr Lochhead said: “The Scottish Food Waste Reduction Target is the first of its kind in Europe. Pledging to cut food waste by 33 per cent by 2025 will put Scotland at the forefront of global action to tackle food waste, and will put us on track to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving food waste by 2030.

“Household food waste in Scotland has decreased by an estimated 37,000 tonnes per year – 5.7 per cent overall – since 2009, saving households across the country a staggering £92million a year. That’s a great start but I want to see more done, which is why I have set this target today.

“A circular economy is where we keep products in use for as long as possible. Scotland is already recognised internationally as a leader in this area and I’m delighted that Commissioner Vella has helped to launch our Circular Economy Strategy: Making Things Last.

“We have identified four priority areas where we can make the biggest environmental and economic impact: food and drink, energy infrastructure, remanufacturing and construction.

“A more circular economy, where we make things last, is an economic, environmental and moral necessity – and it just makes good sense.”

Commissioner Vella said: “I am delighted to hear about Scotland’s ambitious and exciting plans for a more circular economy. I was also very pleased to visit textiles enterprise Kalopsia – in the heart of a shopping centre in Scotland’s capital – which is a great example of how the concept of a circular economy can be brought directly to the public. The Commission also has ambitious plans for a more circular economy and we looking forward to working with Scotland to help ‘Make Things Last’ and turn a circular economy into a reality.”

Mr Lochhead and Commissioner Vella visited textiles firm Kalopsia which is based in Ocean Terminal Edinburgh.

For further information, please visit www.scotland.gov.uk