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The aim is to provide consistent and transparent information for customers, so they can make informed choices when they shop.
Susan Barratt, the IGD’s chief executive, said: “With the support of a steering group of senior industry representatives, IGD has set out to develop a recommended strategic framework for environmental labelling in the UK by the end of 2021.
“We recognise there is a growing appetite from all parts of the food system to measure and communicate the environmental impact of individual products, to drive positive change in consumption habits.
“We also know there is a real desire for collaboration, to champion a science-based approach to environment labelling supported by robust consumer insights.”
The IGD says that it intends to build on its experience with advice on nutritional labelling to help develop a good environmental labelling system.
Barratt added: “This agenda is moving at pace. Without a coordinated approach from the whole UK food sector, we risk confusing consumers and undermining the credibility of any labels that are being trialled.
“Environment labelling is a very complex area, with many unanswered questions in terms of data accessibility, governance, relevant impact indicators and scoring methodology, as well as the most effective way to visualise the information on-pack.”
