Tesco is introducing an innovative facility to handle surplus food efficiently.
- The facility is designed to convert surplus food into animal feed, processing up to 1,000 tonnes weekly.
- Tesco collaborates with RenEco to develop this revolutionary project in Northamptonshire.
- This initiative focuses on bakery and fresh produce, with separate processing for meat and fish.
- The facility will also accept waste from other retailers, promoting industry-wide cooperation.
Tesco is set to make significant strides in food waste management through the creation of an innovative facility capable of processing 1,000 tonnes of surplus food each week into animal feed. This initiative is aimed at revolutionising the manner in which the food industry handles waste, offering a sustainable solution through collaboration with technology firm RenEco.
RenEco has been tasked with the construction of the new facility located in Northamptonshire, which will focus on transforming surplus food products, specifically bakery and fresh produce, into pulp or crumb that can be used for animal feed. Moreover, the facility is equipped to handle surplus meat and fish through a separate process dedicated to household pet food production.
Starting from November, the facility will begin receiving deliveries, with Tesco utilising 40% of the total processing capacity for its own surplus food. The remaining capacity offers an opportunity for other manufacturers and retailers to participate in this sustainable waste management effort.
Claire Lorains, Tesco’s group quality and sustainability director, emphasised the importance of reducing food waste, stating, “Food waste is a global issue, so we’re continually looking for ways that we can reduce this across our own business, and support others to do so across the wider industry too.” The collaboration with RenEco is expected to provide a viable solution to food waste, encouraging other businesses to leverage the facility to enhance their operations.
This development follows Tesco’s decision to end its relationship with a contractor after an internal review revealed discrepancies in the processing of food for animal feed. Consequently, Tesco’s reported food waste reduction figures had to be adjusted from 45% to 18% for the 2022/23 period, highlighting the need for transparency and improved practices within its supply chain.
Tesco’s new facility marks a significant step towards sustainable food waste management, potentially transforming industry practices.
