Behavioural change is essential in tackling food waste, not only among consumers but also within companies and other supply chain parties. How can organizations apply behavioural insights to make food waste prevention projects a success?

In a case study, Wageningen University & Research recently examined various initiatives from the Food Waste Free United foundation.

The key learnings from the study are the following:

• Use an integrated sector approach and stimulate collaboration and partnerships
• Ensure continuity by constant attention, agenda setting and having a long-term vision
• Start small and simple and keep some flexibility to adapt to the situation at hand
• Assess the impact by measuring the effects on food waste reduction as well as other gains
• Show and share these successes, as this helps setting new (social/company) norms and acts as a motivator for action
• Check whether (cap)abilities (knowledge and skills) of actors are sufficient for the required behavioural change.