The SAVE FOOD Initiative is expanding its international cooperation through an official partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), with a focus on strengthening the role of packaging, processing and industrial innovation in reducing food loss and waste.
The partnership is intended to reinforce packaging and processing as part of efforts aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12.3. SAVE FOOD states that, with UNIDO and WPO formally on board, the initiative gains additional technical and global input.
Thomas Dohse, director interpack and SAVE FOOD Initiative, said, “Food loss and waste is a global problem that only international cooperation can effectively address. With UNIDO and the World Packaging Organisation, we are uniting industry know-how, development policy expertise and practical solutions. This partnership strengthens SAVE FOOD as a global platform and highlights the contribution that packaging and processing is able to make to realising UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Gunther Beger, managing director at UNIDO, said, “Strengthening the agrifood midstream is vital for advancing agro-industrial development, expanding value addition, and building resilient, nutrition-focused food systems. The ‘hidden middle’ remains where losses concentrate and transformation potential is greatest. Guided by the World Without Hunger Initiative and UNIDO’s Food Loss and Waste Action Plan, we continue to prioritize midstream infrastructure, climate-smart processing, and SME capacity to reduce post-harvest loss, enhance food safety, and drive inclusive, climate-resilient growth.
“SAVE FOOD combines global industry expertise with specific on-the-ground projects. This kind of bridge-building is crucial to establishing sustainable value chains and improving long-term food security.”
Nerida Kelton, vice president sustainability & save food at the World Packaging Organisation and a working group member of the initiative, said the WPO is becoming a strategic alliance partner alongside FAO, UNIDO and Messe Düsseldorf.
She said, “This collective group brings extensive knowledge to global and local discussions on how food loss and waste can be minimised and environmental impacts reduced wherever possible. Through the Save Food Initiative, the WPO can help elevate awareness and education about the true role that packaging plays in minimising Food Loss & Waste.
“The WPO truly believes that together we can support and foster sustainable food systems around the globe that interlink agriculture, farming, packing, processing, packaging, waste management and end of life recovery of all waste.”
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a partner of SAVE FOOD since its founding in 2011, continues its involvement. Raimund Jehle, deputy regional representative in Europe and Central Asia at FAO, said, “Food loss and waste is a global challenge that requires joint action. The FAO’s partnership with Messe Düsseldorf as part of the SAVE FOOD Initiative supports innovation-driven solutions – including packaging technologies that contribute to food safety, reduce waste and promote food systems that are more sustainable.”
The partners state that future collaboration will focus on practical measures including design-for-recycling, transport and protective packaging, as well as education and training programmes.
The partnership will feature at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf from 7 to 13 May. SAVE FOOD Expert Talks, Awards & Networking will take place on 12 May 2026 from 10:00–13:00 in Hall 1, Room 14. The programme includes presentations, panel discussions, a round table and networking, alongside the Save Food Award ceremony and the announcement of winners of the Save Food Project competition.
Kelton will represent the World Packaging Organisation on the panel discussion.
Founded in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf and interpack, the SAVE FOOD Initiative operates as a global alliance aligned with UN SDG 12.3, with a focus on reducing food loss and waste, including through packaging industry innovation.
