The food industry has reduced waste by 80,000 tonnes against 2012 levels.

That’s a 3.9% reduction of carbon emissions, according to new figures released by waste prevention body WRAP.

They cover the efforts of retailers such as Asda and Waitrose which have voluntarily signed up to the Courtauld Commitment – a set of targets for slashing waste.

The goals include the reduction of traditional grocery ingredient, product and packaging waste by 3% by the end of this year from a 2012 baseline.

The report stated progress has been made towards the target despite a backdrop of growing sales.

Richard Swannell, Director of Sustainable Food Systems at WRAP said: “I’m delighted with the progress towards targets in the first two years of the Courtauld Commitment Phase 3. What makes Courtauld so effective is the sector-wide approach to tackling the most impactful areas. Not just thinking about what will help your business but what will make a more environmentally and economically effective supply chain.”