Together we reduce food waste in Switzerland.

THE STARTING POINT

The goals are clear – but how should they be achieved?

Around 2.8 million tonnes of food waste are generated annually in Switzerland across the food industry and households. From field to plate, valuable resources are wasted and the environment unnecessarily burdened. SDG 12.3 and the Federal Council’s national action plan therefore call for halving food waste by 2030.

Many causes of food waste can only be addressed collaboratively from field to plate. There is broad consensus that coordinated strategies and measures are needed – but which ones, by whom, and how much? In addition, food waste reduction is frequently called for in the media – strengthening its growing societal relevance. Against this backdrop, the industry initiative United Against Waste (UAW) was launched in 2013 by forward-looking companies in the gastronomy sector.

OUR APPROACH

Creating space for an innovative network

UAW is an association pursuing the goal of halving food waste along the entire supply chain. The association is guided by Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and will soon comprise 200 members from across the food industry.

Foodways is entrusted with managing the secretariat of United Against Waste and thereby creates the forward-looking framework of the association through a continuous development process.

We draw on our many years of experience to launch innovative network projects. Our main contributions to the association include:

• Development and implementation of strategic objectives in collaboration with the association board
  
• Management of the association network with its growing membership base and diverse partners from industry, authorities and media
  
• Design and implementation of a Food Save Management methodology for analysis, measurement and continuous reduction of food waste in gastronomy
  
• Representation of the association to authorities, industry and the public
  
• Operational management of association projects
  
• Communications (website, newsletter and media relations)
  
• Association administration
  
• Event organisation and moderation of the annual flagship event Focus Food Save with around 190 participants.

IMPACT & RESULTS

Combined efforts and measures make halving food waste by 2030 achievable

• Growing membership base of nearly 200 members (as of 2025)
• Progressive agenda-setting through strong networks in Switzerland and Europe
• United Against Waste is a nationally recognised network and cooperation partner in the food industry as well as among authorities, associations and civil society
• Food Save Management methodology enables long-term food waste reduction averaging 35% in gastronomy (meeting the SDG target)
• Establishment of the Focus Food Save event as an annual network meeting point