,"The European Union has taken a decisive step toward curbing food waste with the adoption of Directive (EU) 2025/1892, which amends the foundational Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. This legislative update, effective from 16 October 2025, reinforces the EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability by targeting two of the most resource-intensive sectors: food and textiles. The directive mandates stricter adherence to the waste hierarchy, prioritizing waste prevention, followed by preparation for reuse and recycling. It acknowledges that the food sector, despite being the most resource-intensive, has not fully aligned with these principles, contributing significantly to environmental degradation. In line with the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, the directive calls for systemic, lifecycle-based solutions to reduce food waste. It highlights the need to overcome technological and financial barriers that hinder progress in food waste reduction and circularity Member States are now expected to revise their waste management plans to include targeted actions for food waste reduction, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving per capita food waste by 2030. This directive marks a pivotal moment in EU environmental policy, signaling a shift from reactive waste management to proactive resource conservation, especially in the food sector"
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