Food waste has become a huge concern throughout the United States, with environmental, economic, and social consequences that demand immediate attention. Currently, food waste makes up over half of the solid waste produced in urban areas, and as migration to cities continues to grow, these problems are expected to escalate.
For that reason, collaboration with food waste management companies is more important than ever, with new technologies driving sustainability efforts. So how can technology reduce food waste in urban settings?
Keep reading to explore the top emerging technologies transforming food waste prevention and management.
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AI Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics has emerged as one of the most valuable tools to reduce food waste. This technology works by using past data, statistics, and machine learning to make more accurate forecasts, therefore helping businesses track food usage patterns, adjust their menu based on seasonal trends, and most importantly, predict customer demand with increased accuracy.
In urban settings, one of the primary uses of predictive analytics is its ability to enhance inventory management. By improving demand forecasting, businesses can reduce the amount of waste associated with overstocking and overproduction, therefore reducing their environmental footprint.
Food Waste Apps
Food waste apps are an innovative approach to food waste, as they reach a larger audience and offer benefits to both food establishments and users. There are a variety of food waste apps available, such as grocery shopping apps, food inventory apps, and donation and community sharing platforms.
That said, the applications that stand out to us the most are those that help consumers purchase unsold products at a discounted price. In addition to reducing food waste, it also minimizes financial losses for businesses and makes products more affordable for consumers—talk about a win-win, right?
These types of applications rely on collaboration with local establishments. For that reason, each city will have different opportunities, with large cities typically having more options available.
Smart Food Sensors
Smart sensors have become a valuable tool in reducing food waste. These sensors work by monitoring and tracking the temperature, humidity levels, and air quality of storage facilities, helping maintain the quality of products and ensure compliance.
By providing real-time alerts, businesses can address potential issues quickly, therefore extending the shelf life of products and preventing spoilage. Due to their capabilities, smart sensors can be leveraged at different stages of the supply chain, including retail outlets, storage facilities, and transport vehicles.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology allows transparent information sharing, enabling businesses to track food products through every step of the supply chain. Why is this important?
Increased transparency helps eliminate inefficiencies in the supply chain, providing valuable information such as production rate and storage conditions to increase the shelf life of products. For instance, if a farmer has produce that is nearly ripe, they can redirect it to a close location, reducing the chances of spoilage from long-distance shipping.
Since many restaurants and establishments in large cities do not produce their own raw ingredients, this helps them track the movement of food in real-time, ensuring they receive quality ingredients and reduce waste.
Pneumatic Waste Collection Systems
While waste management does not prevent food waste at the source, it’s a critical approach to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. For that reason, pneumatic waste collection systems make the list of emerging technologies with high potential in urban settings.
Pneumatic pipes consist of a network of underground pipes in which waste is transferred to processing centers, therefore eliminating the need for traditional waste collection systems. This approach is increasingly important in densely populated areas, helping promote recycling while reducing traffic congestion and pollution.
While this system was invented in 1961, it’s not widely adopted due to its high initial cost, meaning it’s still considered an emerging approach in forward-thinking cities.
Barcelona is a great example of how this system has been implemented, currently standing out as the city with the highest saturation of pneumatic collection stations for waste collection technology. Their system provides coverage to approximately 50,000 homes and numerous shops, serving around 200,000 individuals.
In-Vessel Composting
Due to its array of benefits, an increasing number of cities are implementing composting programs to address food waste. That said, there are various types of composting approaches available, with in-vessel composting emerging as a beneficial approach to large-scale waste.
In-vessel composting is a method that encloses organic waste in a container or vessel, allowing for more accurate control over temperature, moisture, and airflow. This system requires the least amount of space of all composting systems, making it a great solution for urban settings.
In addition, the increased control over conditions enables it to produce consistently high-quality compost, which can then be used to increase sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Benefits of Reducing Waste in Urban Settings
Reducing food waste is a key component of sustainability goals, providing long-term benefits to cities around the world. Key benefits of reducing waste include:
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: When food waste decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. By preventing waste at the source and implementing waste management strategies, businesses can lower methane emissions and reduce their environmental impact.
- Enhanced resource conservation: When food is wasted, all the resources required to produce it are also wasted, including land, water, energy, and labor. That said, food waste reduction helps businesses decrease losses and increase long-term sustainability.
- Increased food security: Food donation programs are a key initiative in reducing waste, as they help bridge the gap between surplus food and hunger. To encourage donations, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act has been a valuable tool in providing liability protection to donors, ensuring businesses can donate without worrying about potential legal repercussions.
- Minimized financial losses: When food establishments reduce waste, they also minimize the financial losses associated with overproduction and spoilage. As discussed in this article, food waste apps can also help connect consumers with surplus products, meaning businesses can increase profitability by turning potential losses into revenue.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to advances in technology, businesses can now streamline internal operations, optimize waste management strategies, and decrease their environmental footprint.
Since every business is different, it’s important to note that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to food waste reduction. You must create a strategy that works for you, considering your unique needs, compliance requirements, and long-term goals.
The bright side is that businesses now have more options than ever, with solutions that range from predictive analytics to smart food sensors and in-vessel composting. By combining advanced technology with innovative waste management strategies, you can achieve your sustainability goals and set a strong example for others in your industry.