According to world studies, about 30% of food is lost and thrown into the garbage during the production of food and after its purchase. The world throws away 1.3 billion tons of food every year, and if there were no losses and spoilage of food products, it could feed 1.26 billion hungry people every year. The problem also has indirect consequences associated with climate change and environmental pollution, since the production of discarded food consumes resources: water and land.
That is why the question arises, how to stop such an empty and senseless release of resources in food sector?
The answer is that it is necessary to increase the number of recyclable software and use modern recycling technologies. In the last decade, the circular economy has begun to move forward as a more appropriate economic model for reducing emissions. It is followed by ways of reusing food suitable for human consumption, reusing food as animal feed, processing the material into high value-added products, processing nutrients and restoring energy.
Many companies are already implementing technologies to minimize food waste, become more sustainable.
For instance, supermarket chain Tesco introduced online platform Tesco Exchange, which is also often called Tesco Tinder. The app is designed to help suppliers share excess products in order to reduce waste and production costs. The exchange was developed by the consulting firm Anthesis.
With the help of this app suppliers can advertise products, submit requests, and set alerts when needed products become available. Interestingly, the fields of application extend not only to food, but also to packaging. I think this is a big step towards a circularity in food sector. Overproduction and inadequate disposal, which humanity faces everywhere, are global environmental problems.
Sarah Bradbury, Chief Quality Officer at Tesco, says, “Waste for one supplier can be a valuable commodity for another.” This statement is extremely meaningful to me. From my perspective, exactly this way, people can share with each other and receive mutual benefits. I believe this is the approach that humanity really lacks at present.
To conclude, I believe that in conditions of present time, with all the pressing environmental and climate problems, the food sector is simply obliged to move towards a more circular economy. On the example of Tesco chain of stores, we see how with the help of advanced technologies and software we are able to use the resources in a more sensible way.
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Food waste management; Problems & Solution – Technology Times
Very inspirational idea and such an underestimated subject. I wish we had such apps all over the world. At least I am happy that there are few educators on the Internet who try to teach us food sustainability.
I’m extremely happy that large corporations are becoming concerned about food waste and start taking action. Tesco is an excellent model for other businesses to follow. A lot of people can greatly benefit from this app, as you mentioned „waste for one supplier can be valuable commodity for another”. Since food waste is a real issue that needs to be solved, I’m waiting for more solutions.
I hope that other supermarket chains will take an example from Tesco and put their efforts into combating the linear economy that our population still faces in the food industry. “Too good to go” is another example of the considerable contribution to waste prevention – it is an app that connects restaurants and cafes, that have some leftovers after the selling day, with potential customers who have an opportunity to buy this food at a reduced price. As far as I’m concerned both “Tesco Exchange” and “Too good to go” are extremely crucial programs, that should be highly promoted within society, since they are fruitful in the circular economy development.