19 Key Global Food Waste Statistics in 2023

In 2023, global food waste continues to be a major issue, contributing to environmental damage and economic losses. Understanding the scale and impact of this problem is crucial in finding effective solutions. 

Here are 19 key global food waste statistics for 2023 that highlight the magnitude of the issue.

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1. Food Waste and Emissions

• Food waste accounts for approximately 6% of the world's total emissions[1].
• The carbon footprint of food wastage is estimated at 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere per year[2].

2. Volume of Food Wastage

• The global volume of food wastage is estimated at a staggering 1.6 billion tonnes of "primary product equivalents"[2].
• Out of this, the edible part that is wasted amounts to 1.3 billion tonnes[2].

3. Water and Land Usage

• The annual volume of water used to produce food that is lost or wasted is equivalent to the annual flow of Russia's Volga River, or three times the volume of Lake Geneva[2].
• Additionally, 1.4 billion hectares of land, which is 28% of the world's agricultural area, is used annually to produce food that is eventually lost or wasted[2].

4. Food Losses in the Supply Chain

• Roughly 13% of food produced is lost between harvest and retail, and approximately 17% of total global food production is wasted overall[3].
• Developing countries experience more food losses during agricultural production, while middle- and high-income regions tend to have higher food waste at the retail and consumer levels[2].

5. Food Waste Impact on Biodiversity

• Agriculture is responsible for a majority of the threats faced by at-risk plant and animal species, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature[2].

6. Food Waste Disposal Methods

• Only a small percentage of all food wastage is composted, with a significant portion ending up in landfills as part of municipal solid waste[2].
• Methane emissions from landfills are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in the waste sector[2].
• Home composting has the potential to divert up to 150 kg of food waste per household per year from local collection authorities[2].

7. Economic Consequences

• The direct economic consequences of food wastage, excluding fish and seafood, amount to hundreds of billions of dollars[2].
• In 2022, the global food waste management market was valued at USD 69.8 billion, indicating the growing need for waste management solutions[4].

8. Rising Food Insecurity and Measures Taken

• Food insecurity is expected to increase, leading to higher volumes of food wastage in 2023[6].
• As of September 11, 2023, 19 countries have implemented 27 food export bans, and 7 have implemented 12 export-limiting measures to address food insecurity issues[6].

9. Efforts and Investments to Address Food Waste

• The World Bank has allocated up to $30 billion, including $12 billion in new projects, over a 15-month period to boost food and nutrition security, reduce risks, and strengthen food systems[6].
• The West Africa Food Systems Resilience Program, with an investment of $766 million, aims to improve preparedness against food insecurity and enhance the resilience of food systems in the region[6].
• The Global Alliance for Food Security, co-convened by the World Bank Group and the G7 Presidency, seeks to coordinate an immediate response to the global hunger crisis[6].

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Conclusion

Global food waste is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and food security. The statistics from 2023 highlight the urgent need for action and the importance of making sustainable changes throughout the food supply chain. 

By implementing measures to reduce food waste, composting, and investing in waste management technologies, we can mitigate the environmental impact and create a more sustainable future for all.

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Sources:

[1] https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/global-food-waste-in-2022

[2] https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/196402/icode/

[3] https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day

[4] https://money.yahoo.com/global-food-waste-management-market-101000487.html

[5] https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/food-waste-management-market

[6] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update