Background

Reducing food waste and food loss is an integral part of both European Union and Estonian environmental and circular economy policies. European Union legislation requires Member States to measure food waste generation using a harmonised methodology and to implement measures to reduce food waste across the entire food supply chain. In Estonia, a significant amount of food waste is generated each year, a large share of which is avoidable and has considerable environmental and economic impacts. This study provides an up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge base to support the achievement of national and EU objectives, to inform the development of effective policy measures and awareness-raising activities, and to contribute to the advancement of the circular economy throughout the food supply chain.

Objective

The objective of the study is to collect up-to-date data on food waste generation in Estonia and to use this information to design targeted awareness-raising interventions for different population groups, to identify opportunities for industrial symbiosis, and to assess the need for government intervention.

Methodolgy

The study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of administrative and registry data with quantitative surveys, semi-structured interviews, expert interviews, and a diary-based method.

Benefits

The study will produce key messages for use in awareness-raising campaigns and projects and will provide a foundation for the development of new measures. The results will enable the Ministry of Climate to identify needs for the prevention and reduction of waste and packaging, as well as for the promotion of reuse.

Project Client: Environmental Investment Centre
Project Implementer: LevelLab and Roheline Rada
Study Duration: 06/2025–09/2026