The fight against food waste is now a priority for everyone: supermarkets and hypermarkets, small businesses, short distribution channels and direct sales platforms like Regioneo.
To support and promote these efforts, France has created the national label against food waste. The label is awarded to establishments that implement effective measures to reduce waste, while supporting skills development and continuous improvement. Backed by the AGEC law, it is part of an ambitious national strategy, and advocates better management of foodstuffs at every stage - from procurement to recycling unsold products.
Why a national label to combat food waste?
Every year, millions of tonnes of food are wasted, creating a real economic, environmental and social headache. With the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC), France has set itself clear objectives: to halve wastage by 2025 in the retail and catering sectors, and by 2030 for the entire food chain.
The anti-food waste label was created to support this movement, promote best practice and encourage innovation in the field. It applies to all types of distributor, from small grocery shops to specialist marketplaces such as Regioneo, and enables them to affirm their commitments to partners, customers and the general public. This framework encourages the implementation of anti-waste systems, partnerships for the recovery of unsold products, and precise management of stocks and donations.
The three levels of certification for the anti-food waste label
Certification is based on a simple principle: three levels of recognition, ranging from commitment to exemplarity, represented by 1 to 3 stars (and even a special mention for the most advanced). Each level recognises the actions undertaken and their maturity:
- Level 1 (Commitment)
- Level 2 (Masters)
- Level 3 (Exemplary)
Each level corresponds to increasing requirements, documented during an annual audit. The criteria cover the management of unsold stock, responsible sourcing, prevention of waste, internal awareness-raising and collaboration with the local network. To find out more, read this article from Phenix details of the 17 criteria divided into 4 main categories.
Level 1: Commitment
The first level is aimed at those who are just starting to take action against food waste. The main aim here is to raise awareness of what is being wasted, carry out a diagnosis and initiate the first global actions: setting up simple indicators, raising team awareness, adapting sales policy according to the losses observed.
To qualify for the first star :
- We need to demonstrate our commitment and act on the basis of available indicators.
- The waste thresholds are, for example, for a supermarket of less than 400 m², between 1% and 0.71% of net breakage in food sales.
This level involves basic corrective measures and the progressive involvement of management and teams.
Level 2: Mastery
At this stage, the shop or company has a more refined approach to waste management. Data collection becomes more structured, unsold goods are monitored more rigorously, and a number of targeted actions are launched: contractual agreements with suppliers on reducing waste, detailed monitoring of anti-waste batches, regular staff awareness-raising through training programmes.
In terms of results, the demands are increasing:
- The breakage rate must be reduced, for example to less than 0.60% for shops between 400 and 2,500 m².
- Sales outlets must demonstrate their ability to accurately identify sources of waste and measure the effectiveness of action plans.
Find out how these requirements fit into a commercial dynamic on the page dedicated to the anti-waste management and product recovery.
Level 3: Exemplary and special mention
The final level distinguishes structures where the fight against waste is an integral part of the strategy, at every level. Here, every stage of the product life cycle is optimised: supportive relations with donation associations, tested innovations, continuous adaptation of the system. The action plan is monitored, evaluated and shared with the whole team. If the score exceeds a certain threshold, the special «Zero Food Waste» label is awarded to the leaders and allows for increased communication (a tool that can boost the reputation of innovative players).
The waste residue thresholds are particularly low (e.g. below 0.25% for a hypermarket of over 2,500 m²), and each approach must be documented and auditable.
For more details on the certification process, visit the AFNOR Certification offers a comprehensive guide.
Steps and audits to obtain the label
To apply, each establishment has to put together a dossier and carry out an assessment of its anti-waste practices. After examining the application, an approved certification body will carry out an on-site audit. Certification is awarded individually (per shop or point of sale), for three years, with a follow-up audit each year to confirm the progress made and validate that the level achieved is being maintained.
Audits are based on interviews with staff, documentary checks and visits to storage areas. At every stage, clarity, traceability and proof of actions are essential if we are to remain compliant.
What are the advantages of short distribution channels and e-commerce?
For producers, local retailers or platforms like Regioneo, obtaining the label means boosting their credibility while reducing their losses. The impact goes even further:
- A stronger brand image Customers favour responsible, local players.
- Competitive differentiation Becoming the local anti-waste reference counts!
- Reducing losses simplified management of offers, better value for money from unsold products, attractiveness of “imperfect” products.
- Highlighting anti-gaspi offers on a platform that enables dynamic management of inventory and responsible promotions.
Adaptation is made easier by online management tools, which are essential for short distribution channels where flexibility and transparency make all the difference.
With the anti-food waste label, By adopting this approach, every player in the agri-food industry can make a commitment, make progress and enhance the value of their actions to achieve a more sustainable food supply. Whatever the size of the organisation, this approach supports the ecological transition and provides a solid, visible competitive advantage.
For Regioneo and its partners, it's the ideal opportunity to affirm a mission: to promote quality, proximity and the reduction of waste in the service of a fairer food system. Adopt the right tools to turn constraints into opportunities, and become a driving force for change in your sector!
