As we can see, food waste is a major global problem with significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. It represented a missed opportunity to feed the growing population and use the resources more efficiently and sustainably.

However, food waste helps us predict the future by providing insights into the trends and patterns of food consumption, production, and distribution and by enabling the development of solutions based on handling the problem of reducing waste and promoting circularity.

One of the important ways to help reduce food waste is to support predicting the future by using data analytics and artificial intelligence to analyze the sources, causes, and effects of food waste, providing recommendations and feedback for improvement.

Let’s look at an important example: Winnow, a company that uses smart sensors and IoT devices to measure and monitor the food waste generated in commercial kitchens, such as hotels, restaurants, and schools.

The devices collect data on the type, quantity, and value of food waste and then send it to a cloud platform, where it is processed and analyzed by AI algorithms. The platform also provides reports and insights to the kitchen staff, such as dishes that are most wasted, when and why the waste occurs, and how much money and resources are lost.

The platform also suggests actions and tips for reducing waste, such as adjusting portion sizes, menu planning, and inventory management. The company also claims that its solution reduces food waste by up to 70% and saves up to $30,000 per year per kitchen.

Another way food waste can help us predict the future is by using biotechnology and bio-based materials to convert waste and emissions into valuable products such as biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals.

Another example describes how a project in Kenya used biotechnology to develop a variety of banana that is resistant to banana bacterial wilt, a disease that causes up to 100% crop loss. The project also used tissue culture techniques to produce disease-free planting materials for the farmers.

The project also resulted in a 305 increase in yield, a 50% reduction in pesticide use, and a 60% increase in income for the farmers.

Let’s look at LanzaTech. The company uses biotechnology to capture and convert carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions from industrial sources, such as steel mills and refineries, into ethanol, a biofuel used for transportation, electricity, or chemicals.

The company claims that the technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and produces up to 60 billion liters of ethanol per year. The technology is used mainly to reduce waste and promote reuse and recycling, creating a more sustainable and circular economy that benefits the environment, the economy, and society.

Sources:- wri, WWF, BBC, powerknot

FAQs

Q: What is the current state of food waste globally?

A: Around one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, leading to economic, environmental, and social consequences.

Q: What are the main drivers of food waste?

A: Food waste occurs throughout the supply chain, from production and storage to consumption:

Production: Inefficient practices, spoilage during harvesting, and unpredictable weather.

Supply chain: Inadequate storage and transportation leading to spoilage.

Retail and consumption: Improper storage, unclear expiry dates, and consumer behavior.

Q: Will food waste increase or decrease in the next five years?

A: Experts warn that without significant intervention, global food waste is projected to increase by 70% by 2050.

Q: What factors could influence food waste levels in the next five years?

A: Several factors will affect the future of food waste:

Policy changes: Government regulations and initiatives promoting food waste reduction.

Technological advancements: Innovations in food storage, preservation, and tracking technologies.

Consumer behavior: Increased awareness and adoption of sustainable food practices.

Investment in food systems: Efforts to improve efficiency and minimize waste throughout the supply chain.

Q: What role can individuals play in reducing food waste?

A: Everyone can contribute by:

Planning meals and buying only what you need.

Storing food properly to extend shelf life.

Understanding expiry labels and using food before it spoils.

Composting food scraps whenever possible.

Supporting businesses and initiatives committed to reducing food waste.