Food waste is a significant issue, especially in the hospitality industry. Every year, about 1.3 billion tons end up in the trash rather than on a plate. This isn’t only a waste of the food itself but also of other resources like land, water, and energy required to produce all this food. Not to mention the impact on your wallet.

In this article, you’ll get familiar with the – sometimes shocking – numbers surrounding food waste. You’ll also discover a way to master food waste in your professional kitchen. And you’ll want to. According to our calculations, every euro invested in combating food waste yields about seven euros in return.

The Problem in a Nutshell

That food waste is a massive problem is clear. Why? Let’s break it down!

• Environmental impact. Producing food requires water, land, and energy. If you waste food, you’re also wasting these resources. That’s a pity. You’re contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
• Economic loss. Food waste means a loss of resources. So, you’re not just throwing away food but also your money. Your investment in purchasing, preparation, and labor ends up in the trash next to those bagels. This directly affects your profitability.
• Social impact & societal pressure. In a world where food insecurity and hunger are still challenges, food waste highlights the inequality in food accessibility. Consumers – and other stakeholders – are increasing the pressure. Sustainability is high on their agenda, and they expect the same from you.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Okay, let’s talk numbers. The figures surrounding food waste – especially its environmental impact – are undeniable. Let’s start with some math.

400 kilograms of food waste equals the CO2 emissions of 2.6 flights from Amsterdam to Paris. It takes a full year for 50 trees to absorb the emissions from that waste. The Dutch hospitality industry throws away an average of 51 million kilograms of food per year. The CO2 emissions from all this food waste are equivalent to flying to Paris and back more than 165,000 times. That’s over 6 million trees working overtime to counteract that CO2 emission. Incredible, right?

We’re throwing away much more than ‘just’ those 51 million kilograms. A full one-third of all our food ends up in the trash. And that’s enough to feed all 821 million people living in famine. Those figures make people think while they’re at the coffee machine!

With Orbisk, Food Waste is a thing of the past

Every problem has its knight in shining armor and for food waste? Meet Orbi, our fully automated food waste monitor, for example. It registers in half a second what you’re throwing away, how much you’re throwing away, and why. This helps balance quantities, optimize inventory, and plan more efficiently. This not only results in less waste but also a cost saving of up to 50%!

Calculate your potential savings here: