Light Blue Consulting - 16th October 2025

Leaders from ICCA and partner organizations gather on stage in Granada to launch the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations—signaling a new chapter for sustainable event planning worldwide.

Granada, July 2025

As associations plan events in an era of climate urgency and shifting stakeholder expectations, one issue is increasingly difficult to ignore: food waste.

With up to 20% of event food ending up in bins, the cost is not just environmental—it’s reputational and financial. That’s why the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations, co-developed with sustainability leader LightBlue Consulting, is becoming a must-have resource for event planners committed to measurable change.

The ICCA’s Global Association Forum (GAF) brought forward a range of sustainability themes—from inclusive event practices to the hands-on launch of the Food Waste Toolkit for Associations.

That commitment took center stage. LightBlue’s CEO and Founder Benjamin Lephilibert led the unveiling—equipping associations with new tools, mindsets, and momentum to drive smarter, lower-waste events.

I. Why Food Waste Matters for the Meetings Industry

Globally, 1.05 billion tons of food are wasted every year. While 60% comes from households, a significant share—nearly one-third—occurs in food service and retail, including meetings and large-scale events. At the same time, 783 million people face hunger, and food waste contributes 8–10% of total global greenhouse gas emissions.

Beyond the ethics, food waste is expensive. From unnecessary procurement and overproduction to disposal fees and labor loss, the hidden costs add up—especially as sustainability becomes a deciding factor in how events are evaluated.

That’s where associations can lead: by shaping new norms through planning frameworks that center food waste reduction from the start.

II. Introducing the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations

Benjamin Lephilibert, Founder of LightBlue Consulting, introduces the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations during a keynote session in Granada.

The ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations was developed in collaboration with LightBlue Consulting based on the Bangkok Protocol for Sustainable Gastronomy, and launched in 2025.

The Food Waste Toolkit launch was one part of a wider Forum agenda focused on inclusive, regenerative practices—from accessible gala dinners to community engagement initiatives.

This practical framework empowers event planners to:

Reduce waste across the full event lifecycle
Optimize buffet design and menu planning
Integrate sustainability into RFPs
Activate attendees and staff with food waste communication tools
Track food surplus with proven logging systems
Connect with local redistribution and donation partners

This isn’t a static guide—it’s an applied, field-tested toolkit built from real-world hospitality experience and designed to create measurable impact.

III. From Abu Dhabi to Granada: Real Results, Real Commitment

In 2024, ICCA made history at its Abu Dhabi Congress with the first-ever ICCA event to achieve Zero Food Waste to Landfill certification by The PLEDGE on Food Waste, in partnership with LightBlue and supported by ADNEC and ne’ma.

Impact from Abu Dhabi:

928 meals redistributed
371 kg food saved
1,115 kg diverted from landfill
928 kg CO₂eq avoided
Over 200 culinary staff trained

Building on that momentum, ICCA Granada 2025 became the launchpad for the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations. As part of a hands-on session on food waste, LightBlue’s Benjamin Lephilibert led an interactive reveal of the ICCA Toolkit, equipping delegates with tools, frameworks, and real-world use cases.:

Unveil the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations to ICCA members
Lead an interactive, hands-on workshop with participants
Share lessons from Zero Food Waste to Landfill–certified events

This event served as a springboard for LightBlue’s expansion into the European convention center space—marking a major step in amplifying food waste prevention as a new industry standard across global events.

IV. How Event Associations Can Act Now

Event professionals engage with the roadmap toward Zero Food Waste to Landfill, with tools and strategies tailored for the convention sector.

If you're planning your next annual congress or regional gathering, the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations offers both a starting point and a strategic advantage. By working with venues that prioritize food recovery and redistribution, and by integrating food waste metrics into your RFPs and sustainability goals, your team can take immediate steps to cut waste at the source.

"Only by working together can we create more sustainable meetings," said Dermot Ryan, ICCA Head of Association Engagement.

Actionable steps like optimizing portion sizes, designing smarter buffets, or tracking and communicating food waste data can translate into measurable impact.

V. Want to Learn More About Food Waste Laws in Other Countries?

If you found this story insightful, especially if you're working across multiple regions or planning international events, you may also be interested in our breakdown of food waste regulations around the world.

In this blog, we explore how different countries are tackling food waste through legal frameworks, including mandatory sorting, donation incentives, and landfill bans. From Japan to France, discover what policies are shaping how hotels, restaurants, and even event venues can future-proof themselves in the changing landscape.

VI. Want to Bring the Toolkit to Your Event?

More than a reveal, the session marked LightBlue’s readiness to support and train associations in applying the Food Waste Toolkit for Associations to their own events.

Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to adopt Zero Food Waste to Landfill best practices, the ICCA Food Waste Toolkit for Associations is your guide.

Explore the toolkit, discover case studies, and see how LightBlue can support your association in making food waste reduction visible, strategic, and impactful.