Independent verification is becoming more important for businesses that want to show real progress on food waste.
The PLEDGE on Food Waste and DNV Business Assurance have joined forces to strengthen the credibility of food waste certification across the hospitality and foodservice industry.
Food waste reduction is no longer just about having a sustainability policy. Businesses need to show what they are doing and measure the results.
That is why The PLEDGE on Food Waste has formalised a strategic partnership with DNV Business Assurance. The partnership combines DNV’s expertise in auditing and assurance with The PLEDGE’s specialised food waste framework.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2026.
Why Independent Verification Matters for Food Waste Certification
The PLEDGE on Food Waste certification gives foodservice businesses a clear framework for reducing food waste.
The methodology covers six key areas. These include planning, staff engagement, measurement, food preparation and service, guest engagement, and reporting.
Each area focuses on practical actions that can help prevent food waste.
However, a strong framework is only part of the process. Businesses also need a trusted way to show that they meet the required standards.
This is where independent verification plays an important role.
An independent audit provides an extra level of confidence. It shows that a business has been assessed against a defined standard by an external auditor.
By bringing DNV into the network as an authorised auditor in SEA & Oceania, The PLEDGE is strengthening this part of the certification process.
As a result, hotels, restaurants and other foodservice businesses can access an experienced international assurance organisation as part of their certification journey.
From Food Waste Commitments to Independent Verification
Many businesses already understand the need to reduce food waste. However, turning that commitment into daily action can be challenging.
Food waste can happen at many stages. It can occur during purchasing, storage, preparation, production and service. It can also happen when food reaches the guest.
The PLEDGE methodology helps businesses identify these risks. It then provides practical steps to address them.
For example, teams can measure food waste, review their processes and identify where waste occurs most often. They can then use this information to improve their operations.
At the same time, certification gives businesses a way to demonstrate their progress.
This is especially relevant for hotels, restaurants, cafeterias and other large foodservice operations. Even small changes can make a significant difference when they are repeated across a large operation.
With DNV as an authorised auditor, businesses can also support their food waste claims through independent verification.
In other words, the focus moves from simply making a commitment to showing clear and verified action.
Strengthening Independent Verification Through DNV
Sustainability claims are facing greater scrutiny.
Customers want to know whether businesses are taking real action. Corporate clients and other stakeholders also want credible information about sustainability performance.
Because of this, there is a clear difference between saying that you reduce food waste and proving it.
The PLEDGE was created to help bridge this gap.
Its certification combines a practical food waste methodology with third-party verification. This gives businesses a structured way to improve their operations and demonstrate their progress.
The partnership with DNV strengthens this approach even further.
DNV brings extensive experience in auditing, assurance and verification. The PLEDGE brings specialist knowledge of food waste prevention in hospitality and foodservice.
Together, the two organisations can help businesses turn food waste commitments into measurable action.
“We are proud to join hands with DNV, one of the most recognised and respected auditing organisations globally. By combining DNV’s expertise in independent verification with The PLEDGE on Food Waste’s robust methodology, we are reinforcing the integrity and credibility of food-waste certification worldwide.”
— Benjamin Lephilibert, Co-founder, The PLEDGE on Food Waste
Building a Higher Standard for Foodservice Sustainability
This partnership supports a shared goal.
Both DNV and The PLEDGE want to help businesses move from sustainability commitments to measurable results.
Each organisation brings a different strength to the partnership.
DNV provides expertise in independent auditing and assurance. The PLEDGE provides a specialised framework for food waste reduction.
Together, these strengths can help businesses:
- Set clear food waste targets
- Measure food waste more effectively
- Improve day-to-day operations
- Reduce avoidable food waste
- Demonstrate progress through independent verification
As Rachel Ng, DNV Food & Beverage Manager, SEA & Oceania, explains:
“DNV joined The PLEDGE on Food Waste because we share a commitment to building a more sustainable future — helping organisations turn commitments to reduce food waste into credible, measurable impact.”
This collaboration is an important step for the hospitality and foodservice sector.
It also supports a higher standard for food waste management.
Food waste prevention should not stop at a pledge.
It should be measured.
It should be acted on.
And, most importantly, it should be independently verified.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The PLEDGE on Food Waste helps hotels, restaurants, cafeterias and other foodservice businesses build a structured approach to food waste prevention.
Through certification and independent verification, businesses can demonstrate that their food waste efforts are more than just a commitment.
They can show real action and measurable progress.
Ready to turn your food waste commitment into verified action?
Explore The PLEDGE Certification →
You can also learn more about the DNV and The PLEDGE partnership.
