ISO 20001 related to Food Waste and loss
A systematic approach can significantly reduce food waste and loss
Food waste is often highlighted as one of the major obstacles to achieving sustainable development. According to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, approximately 1,214,000 tons of food end up in the trash every year, 2/3 of which come from various stages of the food industry – the rest from Danish households.
With this fact in mind, a number of companies in the food sector have committed to measuring their food waste in order to halve it by 2030.
An important tool for achieving this goal is ISO 20001, which is currently under development and expected to be published in 2027. The standard is designed to provide companies in the food industry with a systematic approach to identifying, measuring, analyzing, and reducing food waste and loss throughout the supply chain.
Food loss and waste are already addressed in FSSC 22000 Version 6, which includes specific requirements. In the FSSC guidance, the topic is directly linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals – particularly Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production. It is estimated that the global economic loss caused by food waste exceeds USD 1 billion annually, highlighting the serious consequences for both the environment and the economy. Nevertheless, there is a clear need for more practical guidance to help companies turn ambitions into action.
What is ISO 20001?
ISO 20001 aims to provide a clear and structured framework for organizations across the entire food supply chain to measure, manage, and reduce food waste and loss. The standard covers the full lifecycle of food – from agricultural production and processing to distribution and consumption – and will define key concepts, introduce common measurement methods, and promote best practices for prevention and reduction of waste.
The purpose of the standard is to serve as a tool for food businesses in their efforts to meet sustainability goals, regulatory requirements, and the growing consumer interest in environmental responsibility.
Bureau Veritas: A Key Contributor Since 2022
As a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, Bureau Veritas has, since 2022, developed a BV standard for managing food waste (FWMS) to support clients in structuring, monitoring, and improving food waste reduction efforts. At the same time, Bureau Veritas has been invited to actively participate in the ISO 20001 working group. Drawing on decades of experience in food safety and sustainability, our experts contribute technical knowledge and industry insights to ensure the standard is both comprehensive and practically applicable.
“Food waste and loss are not just supply chain issues – they are a sustainability imperative,” says Lone Hansen, Food Market Leader in Denmark and member of the ISO 20001 working group. “Our early and active involvement in the ISO 20001 working group reflects our commitment to shaping solutions that benefit both industry and society.”
As a central part of the working group that developed ISO 20001, Bureau Veritas has been involved from the very beginning. The standard has now reached the DIS stage (Draft International Standard), making this a unique time for companies to engage. Bureau Veritas remains committed to contributing to the standard and is therefore seeking pilot companies interested in testing the standard in practice.
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Become a pilot company
By participating as a pilot company, you will have the opportunity to test the standard’s requirements and guidelines within your own organization. Your experiences and feedback will be invaluable for the final development of the ISO 20001 standard.
As a pilot company, you will gain:
• First-hand knowledge of the new standard and its implementation
• The opportunity to influence the final version of the standard
• Expert consultancy from Bureau Veritas specialists
• Visibility as a frontrunner in sustainable food production
If your company is interested in joining this exciting pilot project, we encourage you to contact Lone Hansen, Market Leader Food & Retail, at lone.hansen@bureauveritas.com or +45 7731 1000.
What Does the Standard Mean for the Food Industry?
ISO 20001 will offer a scalable approach that organizations of all sizes can apply. The standard is designed to help companies:
- Establish consistent processes for measuring and reporting food waste
- Identify opportunities to optimize operations and reduce inefficiencies
- Align with global sustainability frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Demonstrate transparency and accountability through independent verification
By reducing food waste and loss, companies can not only improve their environmental footprint but also achieve cost savings and strengthen their brand value.
Easy to Integrate with Other ISO Standards
The upcoming ISO standard, like most others, is based on the Harmonized Structure, also known as the High Level Structure (HLS). This means that companies with existing ISO certifications will recognize the framework and can easily integrate the new standard into their current management system.
When implementing the standard, Bureau Veritas recommends using the well-known and effective PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology. This approach supports the transition from strategy to action, involving all parts of the organization – especially top management.
Benefits of ISO 20001 Certification
ISO 20001 is expected to be published in 2027, and companies that implement the standard can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, optimize business processes, and help address one of the greatest challenges. In addition, certification offers the following benefits:
- Reduced food waste and loss: The standard provides companies with a structured system to identify, measure, analyze, and reduce food waste and loss throughout the supply chain. This has a direct positive impact on sustainability and efficiency in food production.
- Improved financial performance: Reducing food waste and loss has a direct positive effect on the bottom line. Less waste means fewer resources wasted and increased profitability.
- Enhanced sustainability profile: By implementing ISO 20001, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to customers, investors, and other stakeholders. This can provide a competitive advantage.
- Better collaboration across the value chain: The standard encourages increased cooperation between companies, suppliers, and customers, leading to better coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint solutions across the value chain.
- Compliance and regulatory alignment: Companies can use ISO 20001 to ensure compliance with existing and upcoming regulations related to food waste.
Bureau Veritas Is ready to help
With a global network of experts and proven experience in implementing standards, Bureau Veritas is ready to assist organizations in the food sector in preparing for ISO 20001. Our support includes:
- GAP Analysis: Start strong and gain an overview before certification with a GAP analysis. This process identifies the gaps and areas that need attention, providing clarity on where action should be taken. The GAP analysis is therefore a tool for creating a list of deficiencies and improvement points.
- Development of systems for data collection, monitoring, and reporting
- Employee training and process optimization
- Independent audits and certification services once the standard is finalized
“ISO 20001 is a timely opportunity for the food industry to take measurable and meaningful steps,” says Bureau Veritas. “The sooner companies begin adapting to its principles, the better positioned they will be to lead in sustainability.”
Did you know that you can receive funding from SMV:Green Skills for a company-specific training program?