Tesco is taking major steps to address food waste through a new facility.
- The facility will convert surplus food into animal feed, processing 1,000 tonnes weekly.
- This initiative follows Tesco’s call for government action on food waste in March.
- RenEco is contracted to construct the plant, targeting fresh produce and bakery goods.
- The facility will also accommodate excess from other manufacturers and retailers.
Tesco has unveiled a new initiative aimed at significantly reducing food waste, by establishing a state-of-the-art facility capable of converting surplus food into animal feed. The facility, with a capacity to process up to 1,000 tonnes of excess food weekly, marks a substantial advancement in sustainability practices within the retail sector.
The decision to build this facility aligns with Tesco’s proactive approach in March, when it joined over 30 other food businesses in urging the government to take decisive action against food waste. In collaboration with engineering firm RenEco, Tesco is pioneering a solution that transforms food waste into viable animal feed products.
Operations will begin in November, focusing primarily on converting fresh produce and bakery items. Notably, the process for excess meat and fish is separated, intended for creating household pet food, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to different types of waste.
Tesco’s initiative extends beyond its own food surplus, as it plans to utilise only 40% of the facility’s capacity for its own waste. The remainder will be available to other manufacturers and retailers, promoting a collective effort to combat food waste across various sectors.
Claire Lorains, Tesco’s Group Quality and Sustainability Director, emphasised the global nature of the food waste issue and encouraged other businesses to leverage this innovative facility. ‘Working together with RenEco means that we are able to create a viable solution to reducing food waste,’ she stated, highlighting the collaborative approach Tesco is advocating.
This facility exemplifies Tesco’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in reducing global food waste.
