The use of certification standards can provide benefits to both certified entities and the general public, including by helping businesses and other organizations increase credibility and marketability; enabling more informed decision-making among consumers, investors, and others; and motivating the adoption of certain practices—such as food waste reduction—more broadly.
This guide is intended to help readers understand the variety of existing certification standards that focus on or include components related to food waste reduction—and, given their differing scopes, priorities, and methodologies, to help readers identify which may best suit their needs and interests. For example, businesses and organizations can use this guide to help identify the right certification programs to verify and earn recognition for their food waste reduction efforts. And for other entities, including local governments and NGOs, it can serve as a resource when deciding which existing standard(s) to incorporate or reference in developing their own food waste reduction programs.