Hävikki

Hävikki is a Finnish term that generally translates to "waste" or "loss" in English. It is commonly used in contexts related to food, but can also refer to other forms of material or resource wastage.

In the context of food, hävikki encompasses all edible food that is discarded throughout the supply chain, from production and processing to retail and consumption. This includes produce that doesn't meet cosmetic standards, surplus food that expires before being sold, and food prepared but not served or eaten by consumers. Reducing food hävikki is a significant focus in sustainability efforts in Finland, as it has environmental, economic, and social implications.

The concept of hävikki extends beyond food to include other types of waste, such as energy loss, material waste in manufacturing, or inefficient use of resources. The term emphasizes the negative consequences of such waste, highlighting the loss of valuable resources and the potential for environmental harm. Efforts to minimize hävikki are often integrated into broader strategies for resource efficiency and sustainable living.