Dairy Sector Food Waste Action Plan

Launched in July 2023, the aim of the Action Plan was to assess and recommend commercial and practical food waste reduction opportunities across the dairy supply chain.

Through development of the Action Plan, the industry has gained unique insights into where, what, and how much food waste is occurring and identified ten key actions to reduce waste, reduce environmental impacts, and reduce costs. 

Priority actions include investing in research and development and technical solutions for dairy manufacturing sites, implementing efficient inventory management systems to monitor and report on waste, partnering with food rescue organizations, promoting sustainable packaging solutions, and educating consumers through product labelling and storage advice – behaviour changes across the supply chain. Collectively and collaboratively, the Action Plan sets the Australian dairy industry up for success. It is delivered in partnership with the Australian Dairy Products Federation and Stop Food Waste Australia and with support from the Dairy Manufacturers Sustainability Council.

This project is supported by the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy Business Support Fund as part of the Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre (CEBIC).

The Action Plan was launched in July 2023 and provides:

• a practical and commercially realistic Action Plan to support the Australian dairy industry's public commitment to halving food waste by 2030.

• increased transparency along the dairy supply chain with respect to food waste and assist decision making to promote efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.

• a pathway for cross-industry collaboration to improve the environmental footprint of the Australian dairy industry.