of food is lost and wasted globally every year
of all the food that is produced in the world never gets eaten
one company’s trash can be another’s treasure
can be extended through new technology
1.6 billion tons of food is lost and wasted globally every year; a number so big it’s impossible to get your head around. Food that never gets eaten represents a waste of resources - such as land, water, energy, soil, seeds and other inputs in its production, increasing greenhouse gas emissions in vain. Saving even some of it is therefore an effective way to help the planet.
New and innovative technology is being developed every day to improve the way our food is produced, distributed and consumed, transforming our food systems for the better. Here a few of the main streams:
Upcycled food, as it is known, is defined by the Upcycled Food Association as ‘food made with ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, sourced and produced using verifiable supply chains, and with a positive impact on the environment’.
Whether it is snacks produced using leftover juicing pulp or plant milk made from surplus barley, one company’s trash really can be another’s treasure when it comes to food and drink, and the sheer wealth of startups working in this area are proof of the promise of upcycled foods.
Shelf-life matters: the longer the food shelf-life, the easier the shipping, storing and selling. From coatings and packaging to irradiation and refrigeration – there are lots of topics to consider.
Numerous innovations – such as ‘smart stickers’, absorbent food trays and pads, and dynamic pricing – increase the chances of more food ending up on the kitchen table.
Tech solutions - such as apps, software and data analytics tools - create insight in the food waste problem and can give suggestions to prevent waste overall. From food donation programs to maximizing sales just before the expiration date – all by using an app - has both environmental and financial benefits for food producers.
Several countries have also begun to develop software to facilitate the logistics, transport and e-commerce of perishable foods.
Reducing loss and waste means respecting food and the natural resources, effort and investment that has gone into it. When we think about food’s backstory, it is easier to see what our food really represents and how precious it really is.
Needless to say: there are many opportunities for food entrepreneurs when it comes down to reducing loss and waste in the industry, and we are here for it.