The initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Leicester, the University of Nottingham, and the University of Northampton, with the aim of reducing food waste and supporting animal feed production. The project, which is part of a larger initiative to combat food waste, involves the collection and processing of surplus food from various sources, including supermarkets, farms, and food manufacturers.
Tesco’s partnership with FareShare, a charity that redistributes surplus food to those in need, is a key part of this strategy. The partnership will enable Tesco to donate surplus food directly to FareShare’s network of charities, which includes food banks, community groups, and homeless shelters. This initiative is part of Tesco’s broader efforts to reduce food waste and support communities. Tesco has been working on various initiatives to reduce food waste, including improving its supply chain, offering discounts on near-expiry products, and educating customers about food storage and preparation.
The trial, which began in 2019, has seen the company use insects to consume food waste from its stores. The insects are then used as feed for poultry, contributing to a circular economy. The initiative has been successful, with the company reporting a significant reduction in food waste. The supermarket chain is now considering expanding the initiative to other stores in the region. The supermarket chain’s commitment to reducing food waste is part of a broader sustainability strategy. The company has implemented several other initiatives, such as composting programs, donation partnerships with local food banks, and customer education campaigns on food waste.
The company has been working on a new approach to food waste management. The new strategy involves collaboration with farmers and retailers to create a circular economy. The Dutch case studies show that this approach can lead to significant reductions in food waste. Tesco’s new strategy is a departure from its previous reliance on waste contractors.
Waitrose also ended a trial with the same food waste processor, reported The Grocer in February.