This certification is ideal for food service providers such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, resorts and canteens and other businesses involved in food preparation and service.
Food waste is a global challenge, with approximately one-third of all food produced being wasted each year. This not only impacts businesses financially but also contributes significantly to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. The PLEDGE on Food Waste is an innovative, third-party certification scheme designed to help food service providers – including restaurants, hotels, cafeterias and canteens – systematically measure, reduce and prevent food waste across their operations.
As an approved certification body for The PLEDGE on Food Waste, we offer independent third-party audits and certification services to help you achieve and demonstrate compliance with The PLEDGE criteria.
What is The PLEDGE?
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is the leading global certification program that helps food service providers cut waste and boost sustainability. Built on 7 key pillars and 95 criteria, it covers every step of the food journey from purchasing to disposal, introducing clear SOPs to prevent waste. The PLEDGE supports operational efficiency, cost savings and strong environmental responsibility. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it offers a clear path to measurable food waste reduction.
Key benefits
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is not just another sustainability certification. It is a dedicated solution focused entirely on reducing food waste where it matters most. Here’s why businesses choose The PLEDGE and how it delivers real value:
- Purpose-built for food waste
Unlike general sustainability standards, The PLEDGE is entirely focused on food waste, offering 95 detailed criteria for clear, operational change across the entire food journey.
- Real cost savings
Identify and eliminate hidden costs with data-driven tracking, including daily monitoring, financial analysis, and key KPIs, like "Kg of food waste per cover” – all designed to deliver a clear ROI.
- Practical and actionable
Go beyond targets with specific SOPs for purchasing, storage, preparation and buffet management. The PLEDGE gives your team the “how-to” for immediate, lasting impact.
- Strong operational efficiency
Streamline processes, reduce overproduction, and improve inventory control – unlocking efficiencies that general sustainability initiatives often overlook.
- Team and guest engagement
The PLEDGE fosters a culture of awareness and action, with tools to train staff, involve guests and embed circular economy principles for long-term success.
- Trusted, credible certification
Stand out with a recognized, specialized certification that reinforces your sustainability claims and enhances brand reputation in a market wary of greenwashing.
Why SGS?
With decades of experience in certification and sustainability services, we understand the unique challenges of the food industry.
We bring:
- Global expertise
We operate across industries and geographies
- Credibility and trust
Our certifications are internationally recognized, enhancing your organization's reputation among stakeholders
- Tailored support
Our auditors provide practical insights and guidance to help you meet certification requirements efficiently
- Commitment to sustainability
We partner with you to make a real, lasting impact on your business and the environment
Start your sustainability journey today
Partner with us to achieve The PLEDGE on Food Waste certification and make measurable progress toward a more sustainable future.
To learn more about our services and how we can support your food waste reduction goals, contact us. Our team will guide you through the process and provide all the information you need to get started.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Achieving certification can help you reduce operational costs, improve food handling processes, boost staff engagement, enhance your brand reputation and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
We act as an approved certification body, providing independent third-party audits to assess your compliance with The PLEDGE criteria. In addition to certification audits, we can also deliver gap audits and pre-certification audit assessments to help identify areas for improvement before formal evaluation. Our experts guide you through the certification process and verify your achievements through objective evaluation.
The audit covers seven pillars: process documentation, employee commitment, food waste monitoring, food handling before preparation, food preparation and offering, customer engagement and post-consumer waste management.
The timeline varies depending on the size and complexity of your operation, but it typically ranges from two to six months, including preparation, internal implementation and the final audit.
No, it is not necessary to have food waste data before applying. You can begin implementing The PLEDGE and start food waste monitoring at the same time. While having some baseline data can help streamline the certification process, it is not a prerequisite.
Yes, employee involvement and training are essential components. Your staff must be aware of food waste reduction practices and actively participate in initiatives as part of meeting certification requirements.
The PLEDGE certification is valid for one year. An annual recertification audit is required to maintain certified status, ensuring ongoing compliance and demonstrating continuous commitment to food waste reduction throughout the contract period.