SGS joins The PLEDGE as an official certification body. Here’s what’s next for food service operations.
Empowering sustainable food service providers allows the global hospitality industry to eliminate landfill waste while optimizing kitchen profitability. At The PLEDGE on Food Waste, our core mission supports these sustainable food service providers to make zero food waste a global norm. Specifically, we achieve this by providing food service professionals with a structured methodology. We offer practical tools and recommendations covering the entire food journey from purchasing to disposal. Fortunately, we are making serious progress every day. Businesses across the globe already use our proven framework to cut waste. Consequently, they optimize operations and demonstrate real sustainability leadership.
However, a massive global challenge remains. Nearly one-third of all food produced globally still goes to waste. Therefore, our strategic partnership with SGS changes everything.
SGS operates as the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company. For context, they manage over 2,500 laboratories and offices across 115 countries with 145 years of excellence. Their specialized services have become essential for modern commercial companies. They help brands achieve credible sustainability credentials and demonstrate verified compliance with the highest industry standards. Now, hospitality businesses can access The PLEDGE certification through the world’s most trusted verification network. In short, you get this exact advantage when you bring The PLEDGE and SGS together.
Why This Partnership Is a Game-Changer
Delivering meaningful food waste reduction requires systematic implementation across every operational touchpoint. Today, many sustainability efforts fall short because they lack the rigorous third-party verification that builds real credibility—making it hard for businesses to stand out and prove their impact.
In addition, this doesn’t just limit environmental outcomes; it’s frustrating for committed hospitality leaders too. By bringing The PLEDGE and SGS together, we’re closing these gaps while delivering the verified credentials businesses need to thrive.
Built for Real Impact
Our certification is now backed by SGS’s global verification network, giving you the credibility and recognition you need to stand out in the marketplace.
“As food waste becomes an increasingly urgent environmental and economic issue, businesses need focused, data-driven solutions,”
said Naghmeh Raiyat, Global Head of Food Assurance at SGS.
“Through our partnership with The PLEDGE and as part of our IMPACT NOW initiative, we empower food service providers with a trusted pathway to cut waste, improve profitability and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable food system.”
Benjamin Lephilibert, co-founder of The PLEDGE on Food Waste, added:
“We are excited to welcome SGS as an approved certification body. Their global presence, industry credibility and dedication to sustainability make them an ideal partner. With food waste accounting for nearly one-third of all food produced globally, this partnership brings much-needed momentum to a targeted, results-oriented solution.”
The Future of Sustainable Food Service Providers Starts Here
This partnership represents more than just expanded access—it’s about creating a new standard for how businesses approach sustainability. With SGS’s global reach and The PLEDGE’s specialized expertise, we’re making systematic food waste reduction accessible to every restaurant, hotel, cafeteria, and catering operation that’s ready to lead.
About The PLEDGE on Food Waste
The PLEDGE on Food Waste is the leading international third-party certification for restaurants, hotels, and cafeterias to reduce food waste, save on costs, and gain a competitive edge.
Marco Sandri
Global Manager
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