The Asia-Pacific region is facing a severe food waste crisis, prompting the food and beverage industry to adopt sustainable practices.
Food & Beverage brands launch programs to reduce food waste
According to a GlobalData report, companies are implementing ethical sourcing, reducing food waste, composting programs, and efficient waste management systems, as reported by ET Retail.
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“As awareness around sustainability grows, consumers prioritise ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions,” said Shravani Mali, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData. “Consumers are driving restaurants to use recycled materials, reduce waste, and decrease their carbon footprint.”
Notably, the region’s food waste crisis is alarming, with Australia discarding 7.6 million tons of food annually and China accounting for 50% of municipal waste. Governments are taking action, with Australia aiming to halve food waste by 2030 and China introducing the Anti-Food Waste Law.
Food banks can make a significant impact – GlobalData
Further, Tim Hill, Key Account Director at GlobalData, emphasised the need for strategies to reduce food waste. “Using food waste as natural fertilisers and redistributing excess food through nonprofit organisations and food banks can make a significant impact,” Hill suggested.
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Meanwhile, the report urges immediate action and collaboration to establish sustainable practices, enhance resource efficiency, and create a responsible food system.
“Establishing sustainable practices, enhancing resource efficiency, and establishing a resilient and responsible food system requires collective effort,” the report concluded.
Industry experts and governments agree that addressing the food waste crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, involving consumers, businesses, and policymakers.
