'It's a topic at front of mind of industry and consumers': IGD takes on environmental labelling - FoodNavigator.com

It is estimated there are now currently almost 460 eco labels globally, with over 120 different types in use on food and drink products. Some industry experts have warned that a glut of competing and systems jostling for first mover advantage in this fast-moving space (although the UK’s largest supermarket Tesco tried and failed with carbon labelling nearly 10 years ago), risks confusing end consumers, particularly if these labels are all calculated differently.

The most recent entrants, for example, include Eco-Score (courted by big names in European retail, Colruyt and Lidl) and Nestlé-backed Foundation Earth scheme. Eco-Score calculates its system using life cycle assessment drawn from French environment and energy management agency ADEME’s Agribalyse database. Foundation Earth is trialing and testing two other systems (one from EU-funded EIT Food, the other a method developed by UK sustainability consultancy Mondra) that measure the environmental impact of food.

Now wading in is research and insights body IGD. It has launched an environment labelling initiative to mobilise food and consumer goods businesses to develop a harmonised solution that the whole sector can get behind.

The initial focus is to create a strategic framework for an environment labelling scheme that will provide consistent and transparent information for consumers, enabling them to make more informed choices at point of sale, it said.

According to IGD CEO Susan Barratt, the move has the support of a steering group of senior industry representatives. It plans to set out a recommended strategic framework for environmental labelling in the UK by the end of 2021. IGD has commissioned sustainability expert Anthesis to develop the recommended industry framework. The sustainability advisory firm ERM will provide support. IGD will also seek input where relevant from other experts across academia, NGOs and government.

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'It's a topic at front of mind of industry and consumers': IGD takes on environmental labelling - FoodNavigator.com
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