An excellent initiative aimed at protecting the environment and taking care of needy families where and when possible, through actions, was undertaken by the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, “OEB”, by rewarding businesses that implement practices to reduce food waste and food waste. Thus implementing part of the work of the “FOODPrint” campaign partnership, with the slogan “no more food waste”, which consists of the “Zeus” Group, the Department of Environment, Friends of the Earth and environmental consultants “Parponas – Sustainability” and communication consultants “Opinion and Action” and of course the OEB.

This is a campaign co-funded by the European Union’s Life programme and coincides with Cyprus’ strategy to achieve the broader environmental goals set before the EU for sustainable management and drastic reduction of municipal waste by 2030.

Marios Papageorgiou, Officer of the Energy and Environment Department.

Business awards for reducing food waste

The OEB has proceeded to organize a competition, which has been running since 30/9/21 and there seems to be a great interest and response from business entries.

At the award ceremony, which will take place on 16 December 2021, from 18:00 to 19:00 at the “Residence by Occhio”, in Nicosia, the award will be given to companies from sectors that operate in the hospitality, catering and food catering sectors and fall under the economic activities of Hotels, Restaurants and Enterprises of the Manufacturing Sector.
During the competition event of the “FOODPrint” project, the award winners will receive 7 logos of distinction and will be able to use them for advertising purposes.

The Federation of Employers & Industrialists (OEB) with all the partner organisations of the Life – FOODPrint programme proceeded with the opening of the competition, aiming to highlight good practices implemented by businesses in Cyprus, for the reduction of food waste and food waste, the transfer of knowledge and know-how between businesses and the rewarding of businesses, which through their actions and policies contribute to the reduction of food waste, the more efficient use of raw materials and the modernisation of the food industry.

ΠHow businesses can apply

Interested businesses can apply to the competition until 7 December at the link below in order to be considered for one of the 3 Award Categories:
https://www.oeb.org.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/%CE%9A%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%92%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B2%CE%B5%CE%AF%CF%89%CE%BD.pdf

The link for applications is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYhUH0wVGNSJXuFRMS7ASdn1OoU5GnzkY7pWRm0RBl0BAR5w/viewform

Α. Hospitality (Hotels)

• 1st Prize (Gold)
• 2nd Prize (Silver)
• 3rd Prize (Bronze)

Β. Restaurants

• 1st Prize (Gold)
• 2nd Prize (Silver)
• 3rd Prize (Bronze)

Γ. Manufacturing Sector

• 1 διάκριση

The assessment is based on criteria such as food waste prevention practices, staff training, number of actions and events organised/ undertaken or participated in by the company in relation to food waste reduction issues. More information on the award categories and the assessment criteria can be found in the “Award Categories Form”.

What the OEB says

ΜιλώSpeaking to the Sunday (S) edition of “Σημερινή”, OEB’s Energy and Environment Department Officer, Marios Papageorgiou, said that this is a pioneering action for Cyprus, which aims to honour individuals and companies that stand out for the actions and practices they implement and aim to end food waste and have better management of their raw materials.

Among the evaluation criteria are the control of the various food waste recording systems, the number of orders or other actions aimed at reducing food waste, creativity, innovation and the effectiveness of the company’s actions in reducing food waste. Also, according to Mr Papageorgiou, the company’s environmental policy concerning the optimal use of raw materials and, by extension, the reduction of food waste will be audited and the number of staff training programmes on specific issues will be examined.

Essentially, through these awards, the awareness of businesses to reduce food waste is highlighted and through these awards, businesses will be able to incorporate logos that create good environmental practices, creating a more sustainable world for us and our children, concluded Marios Papageorgiou.

It should be noted that in order to participate in the competition, businesses will be required to have accepted the terms and conditions of the competition, which are included in the application form.