While there is strong consensus for improved food waste policies in the Nordics, there is also a constant struggle of finding a balance between increasing regulations and potentially halting innovation.

To generalise the sentiments from the panel discussions, Denmark and Sweden seem to be more in favor of keeping the playing field open for new solutions, while there in Norway is a push towards passing a stronger food waste law that makes it far more costly for producers and retailers to waste resources. In Finland, a food waste law is already in place.

While this debate is far from over, the discussions on legislation have proven that there is a strong need for more political engagement and clearer regulatory frameworks in this area.

Some participants are seemingly frustrated over complex and sweeping regulations from the European Union. With stronger Nordic collaboration, there could be room for regional solutions that are more suitable for the Nordic context.

"As politicians, we need to ensure the best possible conditions and regulatory framework for innovation to flourish and solutions to develop. Rules cannot get in the way."

Jacob Jensen, Denmark’s Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, made his stance very clear.  

Jacob Jensen, Denmark’s Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries