RICHARD SWANNELL

Dr Richard Swannell FRSA is an internationally recognised expert on resource efficiency, with particular expertise in food loss and waste and its role in addressing climate change. An environmental scientist by training, he has spent over two decades translating evidence into practical action across food systems, packaging, plastics pollution, recycling, and wider sustainability challenges.

Richard began his career in the UK scientific civil service and at AEA Technology plc before joining WRAP in 2004. During his 21 years at WRAP, he led major programmes that have become international exemplars of effective food system intervention. He headed the team that created and delivered the pioneering Courtauld Commitment—the first voluntary agreement of its kind between a government-backed body and UK supermarkets—driving ambitious reductions in packaging and food waste across the supply chain. He also helped develop and lead the influential Love Food Hate Waste campaign, which reshaped public engagement with food waste.

Together, these initiatives have helped reduce food loss and waste across the UK supply chain by over one million tonnes per year. Richard has since advised governments and international organisations including the FAO, World Bank, UNEP, the European Commission, and the governments of Australia, South Africa, and Mexico. He was an active member of the EU Food Loss and Waste Platform from 2016 to 2025 and has contributed to key global publications, including the Food Loss and Waste Protocol, multiple Champions 12.3 reports, and the World Bank’s work on the economic and climate case for tackling food loss and waste.

Richard is now Principal Partner at the environmental consultancy Intent to Impact LLP, supporting governments and businesses to accelerate the transition to more resource-efficient and climate-aligned food systems.