Wasted Produce Tops Food Waste List in Spain 2024

In a commendable stride towards a more sustainable future, Spain has managed to reduce its food waste significantly in 2024. The total food waste in the country stood at 1.125 million kilos or liters, marking a cumulative reduction of almost 20% since 2020.

This impressive reduction can be attributed to several factors. Greater appreciation of food, expansion of remote work, growing environmental awareness, and more efficient planning of purchases and portions have all played a part in this positive change.

The European Union, through its directives aimed at promoting circular economy and reducing waste, has enacted the new regulation to reduce food waste in Spain. Specifically, the regulations focus on packaging and food waste reduction efforts under EU regulations.

The new food waste law in Spain has also played a key role in reducing food waste. It prioritizes the donation and social use of surplus food, before its elimination, and non-compliance carries fines of up to 500,000 euros in cases of intentional destruction of products fit for consumption. This law has allowed companies to donate surpluses securely, reducing costs, and encouraging responsible practices.

Within the domestic sphere, 77.6% of waste corresponds to unused products, mainly fruits (32.4%) and vegetables (13.8%), while 22.4% are prepared dishes (salads or legume-based dishes). In 2024, homes threw away 48.9 million less than the previous year and 19.5% less than in 2020, reaching the lowest figure since records began in 2016.

In the restaurant and out-of-home consumption sector, food waste decreased by 8.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The total amount of food waste in this sector in 2024 was 28.03 million kilos or liters, the lowest figure since records began. Foods represent 54.5%, beverages 43.4%, and snacks 2.1% of the waste in this sector.

However, the problem of food waste requires coordinated action involving governments, businesses, and consumers to create a more just and sustainable world. The global waste rate of foods and beverages in Spain fell to 3.7% in 2024, meaning that out of every 100 kilos or liters bought, only 3.7 were discarded.

Despite the progress, it's worth noting that the percentage of people who admitted throwing away food outside the home remained at 43.8% in 2024, similar to the 43.2% in 2023. This underscores the need for continued efforts to raise awareness and promote responsible consumption habits.

The approval of the food waste law faced several obstacles but was finally approved this year after a long parliamentary processing and public debate. The mandate requires all food chain agents to implement a prevention plan to identify and reduce critical points where waste is generated.

In conclusion, Spain's significant reduction in food waste in 2024 is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of legislation in driving positive change. As we move forward, it's crucial to maintain this momentum and continue working towards a more sustainable future.