Tesco has launched a new initiative to reduce food waste by converting surplus food into animal feed.
- The facility in Northamptonshire will process 1,000 tonnes of excess food weekly.
- Fresh produce and bakery items will be the main inputs for the animal feed production.
- Excess meat and fish will be processed separately for pet food.
- Tesco encourages other businesses to utilise this facility to combat food waste.
Tesco has embarked on an innovative project to tackle food waste by transforming surplus food into animal feed at a new facility in Northamptonshire. The move reflects the grocery giant’s effort to address the global issue of food waste, aligning with over 30 other food businesses advocating for government intervention.
The newly constructed facility, built by engineering firm RenEco, is set to convert up to 1,000 tonnes of Tesco’s excess food each week. Initially, the focus will be on fresh produce and bakery goods, but the facility is equipped to handle food waste from other manufacturers and retailers, thereby maximising its capacity.
The surplus meat and fish will not be wasted either; they will undergo a different process to become household pet food. Claire Lorains, Tesco’s group quality and sustainability director, emphasised the importance of collaboration, 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 facility’s operations are structured such that when food is still fit for human consumption, it will be diverted to those in need, underscoring Tesco’s commitment to responsible waste management.
This strategic initiative not only aids in sustainable waste handling but also serves as a potential model for other enterprises seeking to reduce their food waste footprint.
Tesco’s initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management, offering a scalable solution for the industry.
