The Pledge on Food Waste Certification: A Complete Guide
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is an international certification specializing in the prevention and reduction of food waste in hotels, restaurants, and F&B operations. Open Revenue Consulting, as an accredited consultant, supports establishments in measuring, implementing processes, training, and preparing evidence before the independent audit.
The Pledge on Food Waste is the leading international certification for the hospitality and catering industry.
Designed to help hotels, restaurants, corporate dining facilities and event spaces measure and reduce food waste systematically, it is the most comprehensive standard available: built on 6 pillars and 95 criteria that cover every stage of the food cycle, from purchase to final disposal.
It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3: to halve global food waste by 2030.
What is THE PLEDGE on Food Waste?
The Pledge on Food Waste was created to give hospitality businesses a structured operational framework to combat food waste, not only to measure it, but to prevent it at every stage.
Unlike other more general sustainability certifications, The Pledge focuses exclusively on food waste, making it the most specific and in-depth standard available for F&B operations.
It functions as a third-party certification: an accredited independent auditor evaluates the business against 95 detailed criteria distributed across six pillars, scores the result, and awards certification at one of four levels. The certification is internationally recognized and fully compatible with other sustainability standards such as Travelife, Green Key, Biosphere, EarthCheck, and Green Globe.
Methodology aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The methodology applied in THE PLEDGE on Food Waste aligns with the objectives set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2, 12, 13 and 17.
The 6 Pillars of The Pledge on Food Waste
Every certified business is evaluated on the following six pillars, which together cover the complete food cycle in a hotel or restaurant operation:
01
Reports and Report
Formalize the organization's commitment to reducing food waste through a corporate policy, a prevention plan with measurable KPIs, and an annual sustainability plan with follow-up reports.
02
Team Commitment
To train and raise awareness among all staff about the impact of food waste and the methodologies for measuring and reducing it. This includes creating a project committee and assigning clear roles and responsibilities.
03
Monitoring and Measurement
Implement a system to accurately capture and analyze waste data across all areas of the operation. This is the measurement backbone of the entire program.
04
Preparation and Service
Reduce waste at all operational stages: from purchasing, receiving and storing, to preparation, mise en place, buffet service and the customer's plate.
05
Inspiring Guests
Actively involve the guest in the fight against food waste through communication at all points of contact (menus, signage, staff interaction) improving the customer experience.
06
Circularity
Ensuring that unavoidable food surplus does not end up in landfills. This includes strategies for food donation and transforming waste into biogas, compost, fertilizer, or other circular uses.
Certification Levels
To obtain certification, the business must achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 100 in the independent audit. The four levels are:
Bronze
Bronze - 60 to 79 points: Solid foundations established in the 6 pillars.
Payment
Silver - 80 to 89 points: Advanced implementation with measurable results.
Air
Gold - 90 to 99 points: Exceptional performance and industry benchmark.
All-Star
All-Star - 100 points: Perfect score, the highest recognition available.
If a business does not achieve 60 points in the audit, it has one week to implement corrective actions before a new evaluation.
How the Certification Process Works
The best way to achieve The Pledge on Food Waste certification is through an accredited consultant. Hotels that work with a certified consultant achieve higher scores, shorten timelines, and avoid errors in evidence collection that can delay the audit.
The entire process from start to certification is usually completed in 4 to 6 months.
Certified Consultants of The Pledge on Food Waste
Open Revenue Consulting
Open Revenue Consulting is a consultancy specializing in hotel profitability and food waste management. As an accredited consultant for The PLEDGE on Food Waste, it supports hotels and hotel groups in implementing the certification through its food waste management program.
Learn how the new law affects your hotel's operations
Law 1/2025 was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on April 2, 2025. The mandatory measures stipulated in Article 6 came into effect one year after its publication. Businesses should analyze which obligations apply to them based on their activity, size, and specific circumstances.
The Pledge on Food Waste certification is the most comprehensive framework available for demonstrating compliance with these legal obligations. Its six pillars directly align with the requirements of Law 1/2025, providing both the operational structure and the audited documentation required by regulators.
Hotel Port Europa in Calpe, Alicante, was one of the first hotels in Spain to obtain Gold certification under The Pledge, with a score of 90 points in its April 2026 audit. Magic Hotel Group was the first hotel group in Spain to certify an entire establishment under this standard.
We have summarized the entirety of Law 1/2025 so that you know exactly the points to consider:
Discover how much you can improve your costs with effective food waste control
With just a few details about your business, we can help you estimate the economic impact of waste and show you how to start reducing it today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for The Pledge on Food Waste certification?
The certification is open to any hospitality or catering business: hotels, restaurants, corporate dining facilities, university cafeterias, catering companies and event spaces.
Is The Pledge on Food Waste recognized by the UN?
Yes. The program is aligned with UN SDG 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste at the point of sale and consumer by 2030, thus fulfilling the SDGs:
- 02 - Zero Hunger
- 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13 - Climate Action
- 17 - Collaborating on the Goals
What is the difference between Bronze, Silver, Gold and All-Star?
The levels reflect the score obtained in the independent audit: Bronze (60-79), Silver (80-89), Gold (90-99), and All-Star (100). Higher levels indicate deeper implementation and more consistent results across the six pillars.
How long does The Pledge on Food Waste certification last?
Certification is annual. Businesses undergo a renewal audit each year to maintain their certification level.
Is The Pledge compatible with other sustainability certifications?
Yes. The Pledge is fully compatible with Travelife, Biosphere, EarthCheck, Green Globe, Green Key, and Bioscore. It provides specific food waste indicators that most other certifications don't cover in depth.
How does The Pledge relate to the Spanish Food Waste Law?
Law 1/2025, in force since April 2026, requires hospitality businesses in Spain to document and implement food waste prevention plans following a hierarchy of priorities. The Pledge certification provides the operational framework and independent audit documentation to demonstrate full legal compliance.
Who provides guidance for The Pledge on Food Waste certification in Spain?
Open Revenue Consulting is an accredited consultant for The Pledge on Food Waste in Spain, specializing in supporting hotels throughout the certification process. Discover our Profitable Food Waste Management program.
