BSI and ISO Launched Food Waste Standard
The new BS ISO 20001 framework helps global organizations identify and mitigate avoidable food waste.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you believe large food companies are doing enough to reduce their avoidable food waste?
BSI and ISO have officially launched the BS ISO 20001 standard to help companies address food waste. This new management framework provides a structured approach for entities to identify waste hotspots and improve operational efficiency.
Why it matters
Food loss and waste currently accounts for approximately one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. By targeting avoidable waste, organizations can reduce these significant emissions while simultaneously cutting operational costs.
The BS ISO 20001 standard was developed by experts from over 30 countries to address food waste. Food waste remains a significant global challenge, as it is responsible for one third of all global greenhouse gas emissions.
The players
BSI
BSI is a global business improvement and standards company that helps organizations make excellence a habit.
ISO
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant international standards.
The details
The new framework allows organizations to implement systematic changes, monitor their progress, and communicate data to investors and customers. It specifically helps businesses within the food sector identify waste hotspots to minimize inefficiencies.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The BS ISO 20001 standard was officially launched.
Culture Shift
This standard reflects a broader shift toward corporate accountability and sustainable resource management across global supply chains. It signals a move away from voluntary, fragmented waste reporting toward standardized, data-driven methodologies.
For consumers, this standard could lead to more transparent labeling and consistent sustainability practices at retail outlets. Over time, shoppers may benefit from reduced food prices as companies optimize efficiency and minimize systemic waste.
The takeaway
The implementation of standardized waste tracking enables businesses to transform environmental compliance into a measurable operational advantage. Organizations can now leverage this common language to streamline supply chains and demonstrate clear progress to stakeholders.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the sector on our Organic Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Edie.
Live Poll
Do you believe large food companies are doing enough to reduce their avoidable food waste?
