The Causes of Waste in Food Manufacturing
Every year , an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted globally , with a significant portion lost during manufacturing , processing , and distribution .
As food manufacturers face mounting pressure to reduce waste , adopting sustainable strategies offers a solution to this crisis , driving innovation and profitability .
The Causes of Waste in Food Manufacturing Food waste can arise in many places throughout manufacturing processes . Inefficiencies in production , outdated equipment , and errors in packaging are just a few of the factors that can lead to food being discarded .
Quality control challenges and supply chain disruptions can also add to waste issues . Products that fail to meet standards are often discarded , and delays in transportation or improper storage can cause spoilage .
Ultimately , these inefficiencies drive up costs and have wider environmental implications .
Holistic Approaches to Waste Reduction in Food Manufacturing A strategy that covers all food production stages is needed to minimise food waste effectively .
Lifecycle Analysis for Waste Minimisation Evaluating the entire lifecycle of the food chain can offer valuable insights into where waste can be minimised . This involves carefully examining each production stage , from sourcing raw materials to the
74 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk final disposal of waste . Common sources of food waste , for example , include inaccurate forecasting , spillage , spoilage , and discrepancies in product weights .
Circular Economy Models
A circular economy in food production seeks to eliminate waste by ensuring that by-products are reused or recycled so a more sustainable cycle is created .
These principles enable food manufacturers to reuse and recycle materials , significantly reducing waste generated during production , leading to greater efficiency and profitability .
Leveraging Technology for Waste Reduction
Digital tools such as Waste Mission ’ s customer portal can enable the automation of food waste monitoring , allowing businesses to track waste levels and enhance operational performance efficiently . Such technologies are vital in reducing food waste by providing innovative solutions that improve efficiency throughout the supply chain .
Inspired Pet Nutrition – a case study
Waste Mission worked with Inspired Pet Nutrition ( IPN ) in 2024 to successfully divert 100 % of food waste from landfill – not only bringing an innovative solution to their waste but also profitable .
IPN faced various waste management challenges , including :
1 . Meat and fish juice on packaging : These materials were hard to handle .
2 . Raw Meat Waste : Inefficient and environmentally unfriendly disposal methods require a modern solution .
3 . General Waste Management : Disruptions caused by waste accumulation necessitate an intuitive waste management approach .
Waste Mission implemented a tailored waste management solution for IPN , including :
1 . Recycling meat and fish juice – impacted packaging : Specialised processes were introduced to recycle these materials , diverting them from landfills .
2 . Recycling Raw Meat Waste : Innovative recycling methods ensured 100 % recycling of raw meat waste .
3 . 24-Hour Service Level Agreement ( SLA ): A 24-hour SLA was established to ensure efficient waste collection and management , prevent operational disruptions , and simplify daily communications .
The collaboration yielded outstanding results :
1 . 100 % Landfill Diversion : All waste , including complex materials , is now diverted from landfills .
2 . 100 % Recycling Rate : All waste collected from IPN is recycled , aligning with their sustainability goals .
3 . Uninterrupted Operations : The 24-hour SLA has ensured zero disruptions in IPN ’ s operations due to waste management issues .
Financial Benefits of Waste Reduction
Reducing food waste leads to immediate cost savings by lowering the expenditure on ingredients and waste disposal and opens up new sources of profit by recycling waste streams .
Implement Effective Solutions
Waste Mission provides practical solutions that focus on reducing environmental impact building a future that ’ s a few shades greener .
Book a waste review today , or visit the team at stand P90 at FoodEx 2025 .