The SAVE FOOD Initiative is strengthening its international reach through an expanded partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the World Packaging Organisation, a collaboration aimed at reinforcing the role of packaging, food processing and industrial innovation in addressing the global challenge of food loss and waste.
The initiative plans to highlight the scope of this cooperation through a series of programs and presentations at interpack 2026.
Since its launch in 2011, SAVE FOOD has worked alongside international organizations, industry partners and research institutions to reduce food loss and waste throughout the entire value chain. With the formalization of the partnership with UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, the initiative is adding new technical expertise, broader global engagement and increased policy relevance to its efforts.
The collaboration places particular emphasis on improving the so-called midstream segment of the agricultural value chain, where much of the world’s food loss occurs during storage, transport and processing. UNIDO officials say that strengthening this part of the system is essential for expanding value addition, improving food safety and building more resilient food systems.
For the World Packaging Organisation, joining the initiative as a strategic partner reflects the growing recognition of packaging as a critical tool in reducing waste and improving the efficiency of food distribution systems.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which has been involved in the initiative since its founding, will continue to play a central role in the collaboration. The organization contributes expertise in food security, sustainable agriculture and the policy frameworks needed to support long-term improvements across global food systems.
The expanded partnership builds on years of cooperation across industry forums, the SAVE FOOD Design Awards and a variety of project initiatives. In the coming years, the organizations plan to deepen collaboration on practical measures, including design-for-recycling approaches, protective and transport packaging solutions and educational programs designed to build expertise across the food supply chain.
A key venue for advancing these discussions will be interpack 2026, scheduled for May 7–13 in Düsseldorf. During the exhibition, SAVE FOOD, together with UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, will host a multi-day program designed to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts.
The agenda will include SAVE FOOD Expert Talks featuring international specialists and industry representatives, as well as a SAVE FOOD Highlight Route where member companies will present technologies and practices aimed at reducing food loss. The event will also feature the presentation of the SAVE FOOD Awards.
In addition, the exhibition will host the SAVE FOOD project competition, which will recognize and financially support several initiatives for the first time. Organizers say the goal is to showcase effective solutions, strengthen knowledge sharing, and generate momentum for more sustainable food systems worldwide.
Find out more at: https://www.save-food.org