A growing food waste crisis in the Asia-Pacific region is leading to an acceleration of sustainable practices among food and beverage industry stakeholders, GlobalData has said.
According to the research firm, APAC businesses are increasingly adopting measures such as ethical sourcing, composting programs, and efficient waste management systems to combat the growing tide of food waste.
Consumer demand
“As awareness around sustainability grows, consumers increasingly prioritise ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions,” commented Shravani Mali, consumer analyst at GlobalData. “Consumer demand for sustainability efforts among food service establishments and the food and beverage industry is accelerating, pushing restaurants to use more recycled materials, reduce waste and decrease their carbon footprint.”
As GlobalData notes, governments across the region have also stepped up their efforts, which reflects a growing recognition of the environmental, economic, and social implications of food waste.
Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has estimated that some 7.6 million tonnes of food are discarded in the country each year, leading to the development of the National Food Waste Strategy, a government initiative that seeks to halve food waste by 2030.
Elsewhere, in China, where food waste constitutes roughly 50% of municipal waste, the Anti-Food Waste Law (AFWL) targets cultural and systemic factors contributing to the problem, such as over-ordering in hospitality settings.
‘A rising need’
“As a result of rapid urbanisation, population growth, and a complex food supply chain in APAC, there is a rising need to implement strategies to reduce food waste, thereby enhancing sustainability,” says Tim Hill, key account director, SE Asia at GlobalData, pointing to initiatives such as converting food waste into natural fertilisers.
“Additionally, redistributing excess food in collaboration with nonprofit organisations and food banks will foster a sense of responsibility towards food resources. Hence, such initiatives are expected to reflect a considerable decrease in the environmental footprint,” he added.
Mali added that the growing food waste problem in the Asia-Pacific region demands “immediate action and collaborative efforts across sectors” to establish sustainable practices, enhance resource efficiency, and establish a resilient and responsible food system.
“Tackling this issue is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for bolstering the economic and social welfare of the APAC region,” she added. Read more here.
