WRAP renames flagship food sustainability programme to align with global initiatives and strengthen sector recognition
WRAP has announced the rebranding of its Courtauld Commitment 2030 as the UK Food and Drink Pact, marking an evolution of the UK's longest-running food system transformation programme.The UK Food and Drink Pact will continue the work of the Courtauld Commitment, which has encouraged industry-wide action across the food and drink sector for twenty years. The programme brings together businesses, government and sector leaders to tackle food waste, greenhouse gas emissions and water stewardship."For businesses, membership to the UK Food and Drink Pact unlocks access to evidence-based tools, practical resources and collaborative working groups tackling urgent sustainability challenges facing the food and drink sector through a collaborative, non-competitive and trusted network underpinned by innovation, expertise and collective determination," commented Cailey Grice, Delivery Manager - UK Food & Drinks Pact.WRAP says that the rebrand will provide fresh clarity to its ambition, helping to build trust and recognition in the sector. The new name also brings a consistent identity alongside WRAP's other key voluntary agreement, the UK Plastics Pact, while aligning with the organisation's expanded international focus and the global Food Pact Network.
Maintaining goals of Courtauld Commitment
The core objectives of the initiative remain unchanged. Members of the UK Food and Drink Pact voluntarily commit to the same 2030 goals that were established under the Courtauld Commitment: reducing food waste by 50 per cent per capita (against the UK 2007 baseline), halving greenhouse gas emissions arising from the food and drink system (against a 2015 baseline), and ensuring that half of all fresh food is sourced from areas with sustainable water management.
These targets align with global ambitions including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3 and 6, ensuring the UK continues to shape a future where food systems support rather than deplete the planet.
The UK Food and Drink Pact currently spans close to 200 organisations across the food and drink supply chain, as well as trade bodies, local authorities and charities. Members include major retailers and brands such as Aldi, Arla, ASDA, Bidfood, Co-op, Costa, Danone, Diageo, Lidl, M&S, McDonald's, Morrisons, Nestlé, Ocado, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Unilever, and Waitrose.
Since its inception, the Courtauld Commitment has played a central role in driving collaborative action to create a more sustainable food system. The programme has focused on developing strategies to reduce food waste, cut carbon emissions, and improve water stewardship across the entire food and drink sector.
WRAP says its data shows that the strategies developed under the Courtauld Commitment, delivered through wide-ranging partnerships, have been effective in making progress toward these goals.
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