Our partnership with The PLEDGE on Food Waste demonstrates our commitment to advancing sustainable practices under our IMPACT NOW initiative.
We are proud to announce our partnership with The PLEDGE on Food Waste is the leading global certification program that helps food service providers systematically reduce food waste. As an official certification body for The PLEDGE on Food Waste, we will deliver independent audits and certification services to hospitality, catering and food service businesses aiming to reduce environmental impact, optimize operations and demonstrate credible sustainability leadership.
This partnership reflects our broader commitment to measurable sustainability outcomes through our IMPACT NOW for sustainability framework, an initiative that accelerates action toward sustainability goals by integrating meaningful certifications into business practices.
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is a purpose-built, third-party audited certification focused exclusively on food waste prevention in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias and catering operations. Based on a robust framework of 7 pillars and 95 criteria, it guides food service providers through every step of their operations, from purchasing and preparation to disposal, introducing clear, actionable SOPs to cut waste, improve efficiency and reduce costs. The certification also includes employee and guest engagement, financial monitoring and environmental metrics, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"As food waste becomes an increasingly urgent environmental and economic issue, businesses need focused, data-driven solutions," said Naghmeh Raiyat, Global Head of Food Assurance at SGS. "Through our partnership with The PLEDGE and as part of our IMPACT NOW initiative, we empower food service providers with a trusted pathway to cut waste, improve profitability and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable food system."
Our role as a leading certification body ensures the credibility of The PLEDGE's rigorous standards, helping businesses stand out with verified sustainability credentials. In addition to delivering independent third-party certification audits, we also offers pre-certification assessments and gap analyses to help organizations prepare for the audit process. These services support an efficient certification journey, without compromising audit integrity.
Benjamin Lephilibert, co-founder of The PLEDGE on Food Waste, added: "We are excited to welcome SGS as an approved certification body. Their global presence, industry credibility and dedication to sustainability make them an ideal partner. With food waste accounting for nearly one-third of all food produced globally, this partnership brings much-needed momentum to a targeted, results-oriented solution."
By choosing The PLEDGE on Food Waste certification through SGS, businesses unlock a host of benefits: cost savings, improved operations, stronger team engagement and enhanced brand credibility. More importantly, they take real, measurable steps to protect the environment and operate responsibly in a resource-constrained world.
About The PLEDGE
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is the leading global food waste certification. It was designed in 2018 by combining all existing best practices identified across the hospitality industry.
The PLEDGE offers a comprehensive methodology for food waste prevention, built on 7 pillars and 95 criteria, providing a holistic approach to reducing food waste. The PLEDGE methodology aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 12, 13, and 17.
For further information, please contact:
Evangelia Komitopoulou, PhD
Food Customized Solutions & CSR, Global Manager
Global Food Assurance
Business Assurance
t: +44 (0)7824 089985
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
