D8.1: Alternative near-zero pathways

This deliverable, developed by the ZeroW Policy Team under T8.1: Alternative near-zero pathways, provides an overview of the current state of Food Loss and Waste in the European Union and outlines a trend pathway for future analysis. Aligned with the Farm to Fork Strategy and the European Green Deal, the report frames the reduction of food waste as a systemic challenge requiring action across the food supply chain. Drawing on stakeholder interviews and working group discussions, it presents three alternative transition pathways focused on consumer behaviour, innovation, and policy change. These pathways are not forecasts, but scenario-based tools designed to stimulate reflection, support modelling and simulation activities, and inform future project outputs. The deliverable contributes to the broader ZeroW objective of shaping a just transition towards near zero food waste by 2050, while recognising the need to balance environmental, social, and economic sustainability considerations.