Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Australia: Emerging Solutions and the Path to a Circular Economy

Food loss and waste are significant global issues, with approximately one-third of the world's food never being eaten. In Australia, the problem is equally pressing, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and food security. To address this challenge, emerging solutions are being developed and implemented across various sectors.

The Australian Food Waste Challenge, launched in 2022 by Rocket Seeder in partnership with Food Waste Australia, showcased startups and small businesses developing innovative solutions to food loss and waste problems. With the support of category sponsors, including Goodman Fielder and Kohl's Dairy Australia, the challenge attracted over 35 applicants from across the country. This initiative highlighted several key themes and learnings, including the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, the need to address consumer perception, and opportunities for supply chain optimization and value chain transformation. Current technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), are being leveraged to reduce food loss and waste. For example, AI-powered predictive analytics can help identify potential waste hotspots in the supply chain, while blockchain can enable transparent tracking and tracing of food products. IoT sensors can monitor temperature and humidity levels during transportation, reducing the risk of spoilage.

In Australia, food waste is a significant problem, with the average household throwing away around $1,000 worth of food per year. Food waste is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for around 8% of global emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind China and the United States.

In Food Waste Australia, a Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), plays a crucial role in addressing food loss and waste through research and development. The CRC's Reduce program focuses on supply chain optimization, tracking, and data measurement, while the Transform program aims to transform food loss and waste into high-value goods. The Engage program trains future leaders in food loss and waste, and the Industry Action arm works with industry to create benchmarks and provide tools for action. A circular economy approach is essential for reducing food loss and waste. This involves designing out waste, encouraging product design and packaging innovations that minimize waste, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration and sharing of resources. Implementing closed-loop production systems, where materials are continually cycled back into production, is also critical.

The Australian Food Waste Challenge and In Food Waste Australia's work demonstrates the potential for emerging solutions to drive positive change. By embracing a circular economy approach and leveraging current technologies, we can create a more sustainable food system that minimizes waste and maximizes value. The challenge's focus on innovation and collaboration has brought attention to the need for systemic change and the importance of working together to address this complex issue. In conclusion, reducing food loss and waste in Australia requires a multifaceted approach that leverages innovation, technology, and collaboration. By supporting emerging solutions and adopting a circular economy approach, we can create a more sustainable food system that benefits both the environment and the economy.