The European research project WASTELESS, funded by Horizon Europe, is developing a harmonised methodological Framework for Food Waste (FW) quantification aimed at improving FW monitoring and prevention throughout every step of the agri-food value chain, from primary production to household consumption.
To achieve this, the consortium has developed and tested five innovative digital Tools & Methodologies (T&Ms), designed to address key challenges in data management and FW monitoring. At this crucial stage of the project, WASTELESS is inviting external experts to contribute their experience by evaluating these tools, helping us identify strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement, and ultimately increasing their real-world impact.
About the WASTELESS project
WASTELESS is a European research and innovation project that supports the reduction of food waste (FW) by providing practical tools for measuring and monitoring FLW across the entire food supply chain. Born in response to significant methodological inconsistencies among EEA member states, the project brings together 16 partners and 12 affiliated organisations from 14 European and non-European countries. It started in 2023 and will run until 2025.
The tools developed
The WASTELESS main project results (PRs) are five Tools & Methodologies (T&Ms) which explore a wide range of technologies and applications. Specifically:
- PR1 – Blockchain-Based Electronic Registry, developed by WIISE. A secure digital registry to track surplus and food waste across the supply chain. Using blockchain to ensure data transparency and integrity, it enables certified reporting of food waste and side-streams across different sectors.
- PR2 – Surplus Measurement and Management Tool. Designed for various operational contexts, this tool supports the identification, measurement, and recovery of surplus food, recommending strategies based on the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy (1).
- PR3 – AI-based data-driven approach for FWM in retailers and consumers. A smart system for retailers to optimise ordering and pricing strategies using AI to model sales and consumption behaviours, especially for near-expiry products, helping reduce food waste in stores.
- PR4 – Automatic system for Food Waste assessment at households. A combined smart scale and app that helps households track and classify their food waste, supporting awareness and research on consumer behaviour.
- PR5 – Computer vision-based image analysis. A visual recognition system that analyses images of food waste, from domestic fridges or meat supply chains, allowing to automatically detect, classify and quantify spoiled products.
All tools have been developed and tested in real-world contexts by the project’s technical and academic partners.
An invitation to contribute
The updated evaluation questionnaire is now available and has been redesigned to make expert evaluation of the T&Ms more accessible and actionable. Drawing on insights from previous consultations and aligned with methodological recommendations from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (2), the questionnaire focuses on:
- the effectiveness and efficiency of each tool;
- the relevance and robustness of the KPIs (key performance indicators) used;
- alignment with SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound);
- overall consideration of tools’ usability, scalability, and expected impact.
Each section also includes space for suggestions and, voluntarily, for comments on the evaluation approach itself.
The questionnaire is concise and user-friendly, with closed-ended questions (1–5 scale) and optional short comments. Each tool is introduced with a brief summary, and supporting materials, such as user manuals and tutorial videos, are provided to allow for evaluation.
Why take part in the survey
By participating in the evaluation, experts will:
- contribute to refining practical tools to fight food waste;
- support the scientific and operational robustness of project outcomes;
- join a European effort toward a more efficient and sustainable food system.
How to join
Interested experts can:
- Fill in the questionnaire directly by clicking here: Help us to reduce Food Waste
- Alternatively, you can write to agri@wiise.net for more information.
Feel free to share this opportunity within your professional networks; every contribution counts.
Desirée Muscas
Cover art copyright © 2025 Dario Dongo (AI-assisted creation)
References
- From Field to Bin: The Environmental Impacts of US Food Waste Pathways. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, USA), Office of Research and Development. EPA/600/R-23/065
- Caldeira C. et al. (2019). Assessment of food waste prevention actions – Development of an evaluation framework to assess performance of food waste prevention actions. Publications Office of the European Union, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/9773
Esperta LCA, laureata in Sviluppo Rurale Sostenibile, PhD in Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale
