By: Concha Ávila
Head of European Projects, FIAB
7 May 2026
Reducing food loss and waste has become a strategic priority for the European Union, as well as a complex challenge when it comes to translating ambitions into real and measurable progress. At the heart of this challenge lies a key question: how can waste be measured consistently within a highly diverse and fragmented food system?
For the Spanish Food and Drink Federation (FIAB), this issue has been one of the central pillars of its participation in European research and innovation projects. Through our involvement in the WASTELESS project, funded by Horizon Europe, FIAB has contributed to the application of practical, data-driven approaches to improve the quantification and management of food waste across the value chain.
In this context, one of the main barriers to advancing food waste reduction is the lack of harmonised methodologies. Different stakeholders apply different measurement models, making it difficult to compare data, identify critical points, and design effective solutions. This highlights the need to establish a common framework.
The WASTELESS project has addressed this issue through the development of tools and methodologies that enable the generation of more reliable and comparable data. By collaborating with research centres, technology providers, and other industry stakeholders, the project has helped lay the foundations for a more coherent approach to food waste measurement in Europe.
For FIAB, participation in the WASTELESS project reflects a broader shift within the food and beverage industry towards more structured, evidence-based sustainability strategies. Measurement is no longer perceived solely as an obligation, but also as a key element for decision-making, improving efficiency, and strengthening long-term competitiveness.
From the industry’s perspective, moving towards more robust and consolidated measurement systems is essential to bridge the gap between policy objectives and their implementation at the operational level. Companies need tools that are not only scientifically sound, but also scalable, user-friendly, and adaptable to the different segments of the food supply chain.
At the same time, collaboration at European level remains essential, particularly in a context where regulation is moving towards the establishment of reduction targets and enhanced reporting requirements.
Initiatives such as the WASTELESS project demonstrate the value of bringing together different stakeholders to jointly build scalable and widely adoptable solutions, providing the necessary tools to tackle and measure food waste reduction effectively.
Looking ahead, the main challenge will be ensuring that the methodologies and tools developed through European projects are implemented effectively at scale. Achieving this will require alignment between regulatory frameworks, business practices, and innovation efforts. For us, as the Spanish Food and Drink Federation, the experience gained through this project reinforces the message that addressing food waste requires moving beyond commitments towards concrete, data-driven action. By strengthening measurement, fostering collaboration, and supporting the adoption of practical solutions, the food and beverage industry can play a decisive role in achieving Europe’s sustainability objectives.