Exploring the Role of Food Science in Reducing Food Waste

The global food system faces a staggering challenge – an estimated one-third of all food produced globally by weight is lost or wasted between farm and fork. This equates to more than 1 billion tonnes of food going uneaten, fueling both environmental and humanitarian crises. While the scale of this problem can feel overwhelming, advancements in food science and technology are offering promising solutions to tackle food waste head-on.

Understanding the Scope of Food Loss and Waste

Food loss and food waste, though often discussed together, encompass distinct challenges throughout the food supply chain. Food loss refers to the decrease in food quantity or quality during the earlier stages of the supply chain, such as during harvesting, storage, or transport. Food waste, on the other hand, occurs later in the chain – at the retail, hospitality, and household levels.

Recent research has dispelled the common misconception that food waste is primarily a developed-world problem, while food loss is more prevalent in developing economies. In reality, both issues are global in nature, with food waste occurring at roughly the same levels in middle-income countries as in high-income countries. Similarly, food loss on farms is a significant concern across all levels of economic development.

The Cascading Benefits of Reducing Food Waste

Tackling this multilayered challenge offers immense benefits, from addressing global hunger to mitigating climate change. By ensuring more of the world’s food supply reaches people’s plates rather than landfills, we can make significant strides towards providing a healthy, nutritious diet for a growing global population. In fact, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals include a target to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels, and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, by 2030.

Beyond the humanitarian imperative, reducing food loss and waste also has profound environmental implications. Project Drawdown has identified cutting food waste as the single most impactful strategy for fighting the climate crisis, as food waste accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Decreasing the volume of wasted food means avoiding the energy, water, and other inputs used to produce that food, as well as reducing the methane emissions generated when uneaten food decomposes.

Economically, the benefits of food waste reduction are also significant. Eliminating avoidable food waste could save the average household hundreds to thousands of dollars per year. For businesses, Champions 12.3 found that restaurants can save $7 for every $1 invested in strategies to combat food waste. Smaller producers also stand to benefit, as targeted financing and equipment upgrades can help minimize post-harvest losses and boost farmer incomes.

Collaborative Efforts Across the Supply Chain

Achieving these far-reaching benefits requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach. Fortunately, the tools and technologies to reduce food waste are increasingly accessible, and stakeholders across the supply chain are stepping up to the challenge.

Households can minimize waste by adopting smart shopping habits, proper food storage techniques, and creativity in repurposing leftovers. Restaurants are measuring and managing their food usage, training staff on waste reduction, and right-sizing portions to curb excess. Retailers are improving stocking and handling practices, accepting imperfect produce, and educating customers on storage and shelf life.

Upstream, farmers, ranchers, and fishers are harnessing data and technology to optimize harvesting, handling, and transportation. Processors and manufacturers are re-engineering production processes and product designs to minimize waste, while also standardizing date labeling to reduce consumer confusion. Governments and policymakers, meanwhile, are leveraging educational programs, financial incentives, and regulatory reforms to support efficient food systems.

Blockchain’s Potential in Traceability and Transparency

One emerging technology with significant promise in the fight against food waste is blockchain. Blockchain’s core characteristics of immutability, transparency, and decentralization make it an ideal fit for enhancing traceability throughout the supply chain.

By providing a secure, distributed ledger of transactions, blockchain can help track the movement of food from farm to fork, improving visibility and accountability. This empowers stakeholders to quickly identify and address the root causes of food loss, whether it’s temperature fluctuations during transport or improper handling at distribution centers. Enhanced traceability also bolsters consumer trust, as they can verify the origins and quality of their purchases.

Moreover, blockchain-enabled smart contracts can automate critical supply chain processes, reducing the risk of errors or waste. For example, in the seafood industry, blockchain could automatically trigger temperature monitoring, product handoffs, and payment upon delivery – streamlining the entire process and minimizing spoilage.

Blockchain in Action: Case Studies from the Field

Leading companies are already harnessing blockchain’s potential to drive more efficient, transparent, and sustainable food systems. In 2022, IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, became the world’s first major retailer to cut food waste in half across its global network of IKEA restaurants. This was achieved in part by implementing blockchain-based traceability, which provided real-time data on inventory levels and product freshness.

Another example comes from the wine industry, where blockchain is being used to combat counterfeiting and ensure product authenticity. The MyStory™ platform, a permissioned blockchain system, allows wine consumers to verify a bottle’s origin, processing history, and quality certifications by scanning a QR code. This heightened transparency not only builds consumer trust but also reduces the risk of fraud that can lead to product waste.

The Road Ahead: Unlocking Blockchain’s Full Potential

While blockchain shows immense promise in addressing food waste, its widespread adoption remains a work in progress. Challenges around data standards, scalability, and user onboarding must be resolved before blockchain can become a ubiquitous solution. Collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and policymakers will be crucial in refining the technology and developing the necessary infrastructure and governance frameworks.

As the world continues to grapple with the urgent need to feed a growing population while minimizing environmental impact, the role of food science and emerging technologies like blockchain will only become more pivotal. By harnessing the power of data, automation, and transparency, we can transform our global food systems, reduce waste, and ensure a more sustainable, equitable, and abundant future. The Kitchen Warrior blog is committed to exploring these innovations and empowering readers to be part of the solution.