Uniworld reduces food waste on ships by 41%

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has released its fourth annual Impact Report, revealing a 41% reduction in food waste on board its ships in 2024.

The luxury river cruise line said the figure was equivalent to more than 185,417 meals being saved from wastage.

Uniworld has worked with waste monitoring company Leanpath since 2021 “to improve kitchen efficiency and prevent food waste” with its automated food waste tracking system.

The line also works with 26 local food and beverage suppliers to reduce its carbon footprint and support local economies.

The report emphasised Uniworld’s commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

All power in the line’s offices and plug-in sockets on board ships is now 100% renewable, suppliedvia local energy providers or Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs).

The company’s engineers and technical experts are also collaborating on the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Path2Zero research project to find routes to net-zero for the inland shipping industry.

A total of 71% of the brand’s itineraries offer Make Travel Matter experiences, which meet criteria set by the United Nations Global Goals, allowing guests to “immerse themselves in a destination’s local communities and wildlife sustainably”.

The report also highlighted the brand’s inclusivity initiatives, with LGBTQ+ cruises and the first women-only cruise departing for a week on August 24, 2025.

The line’s sustainability officer Julie Higgins said: “Sustainability is woven into everything we do at Uniworld. We’ve come a long way since launching the How We Tread Right plan nearly five years ago, and we’re very proud of the progress we’ve made. 

“From cutting food waste to running on renewable energy and creating more inclusive travel experiences, our 2024 Impact Report reflects the tangible results we’re seeing and the passion continuing to drive us forward.”