TÜGİS Chairman Comments on Food Waste

TÜGİS Chairman Kaan Sidar made statements on World Savings Day on 31 October, drawing attention to food waste and excessive consumption. Sidar, stating that savings is necessary in every area for the future of food, said, "14 million loaves of bread are thrown away daily in Turkey, and along with bread waste, 2.5 million cubic metres of water is lost. We need to adopt the principles of savings and efficient consumption first individually and then with a focus on societal benefit." TÜGİS (Turkey Food Manufacturers Association) Board Chairman Kaan Sidar made statements on World Savings Day on 31 October, emphasizing the importance of savings and drawing attention to waste, spanning from food security to climate change, from circular economy to sustainability. Noting that according to a UNEP report Turkey ranks 15th among 214 countries in experiencing the most food waste, Sidar stated that food comprises 52 per cent of waste in landfills. Drawing attention to excessive purchases in individual consumption, Sidar said, "While millions of people go hungry, just as many live on the brink of obesity. Food waste, meanwhile, has the highest values among all waste categories. In our country, 14 million loaves of bread are thrown away daily. When a food product ends up in the trash, it means all the stages it goes through until it reaches the table—starting with the water used in agricultural production—go to waste. Everything you do to produce any product being discarded, arrange its logistics, and display it on shelves or in refrigerators goes to waste along with that product. This is a great injustice to the world," he said.

Food literacy must increase

TÜGİS Chairman Sidar noted that according to a report prepared by the Turkey Waste Prevention Foundation in 2020, approximately 26 million tons of food waste occurs annually in Turkey. Stating that waste occurs not only at home but also from field to consumer, Sidar continued as follows: "Uncovered refrigerators in supermarkets also lead to waste. Consumers need to increase their food literacy and apply conscious consumption habits at every step. Being economical is now a necessity. There is no other option in an age when the effects of the climate crisis and drought are increasing day by day."

61 per cent of waste occurs at home

While sharing recommendations with consumers on World Savings Day, Sidar cited the Food Waste Index report prepared by the United Nations, stating that 61 per cent of waste occurs at home. "Shopping according to the number of people and average consumption in the home is very important. Shopping with label checks, storing fresh products in appropriate conditions, planning weekly or monthly menus, not using excessive water when cleaning products, and preferring packaged and safe food products are vital. On the other hand, to protect the food of our future, we need to raise the next generation with awareness. We should instil these habits in our children from an early age and encourage them to take responsibility in combating waste and practising savings," he said.

Local capital and raw material waste

TÜGİS Chairman Sidar, stating that savings also means protecting resources and supporting sustainability, noted that along with bread waste, 2.5 million cubic metres of water is lost, and this amount would be sufficient to meet Istanbul's daily water needs. Sidar said, "Waste means not only the loss of food but also the squandering of local or foreign capital, raw materials, labour and workforce. For the circular economy to proceed positively, combating waste is essential. The word savings has become an indispensable part of our lives. We need to adopt the principles of savings and efficient consumption first individually and then with a focus on societal benefit."