Food waste is a major driver of carbon emissions.
Globally, over five million different products are processed from trillions of tons of harvests, but much of this is wasted. In the UK, each person produces an average of 70kg of food waste annually.
A significant cause is the “push” market, where products are oversupplied, leading to a cycle of overproduction and waste.
The world produces enough food for 16 billion people, yet nearly 40% of it is wasted. This waste not only impacts food security but also contributes to carbon emissions, making the food system the second-largest contributor to climate change.
The role of AI in reducing food waste
Daniel Khachab, CEO of Choco, is determined to use artificial intelligence (AI) to combat food waste.
He notes, “This is an issue that I am particularly passionate about – and frankly, one that keeps me up at night.
“This year, however, I am feeling more optimistic than ever about our ability to solve this pressing issue because of one thing: AI.”
AI presents an opportunity to transform the notoriously under-digitalised food industry by enhancing data-driven decision-making across the supply chain.
Farmers and manufacturers, the backbone of food production, can use AI to optimise their processes, reducing inefficiencies and making food production more sustainable.
Transitioning from waste-heavy “push” markets to more balanced “pull” markets, AI could help stabilise supply and demand, reducing overproduction.
Companies like Google and Microsoft are already pioneering the use of AI in this space.
Google, for example, leverages AI for supply chain transparency, using platforms like Tracemark, which Unilever adopts to trace raw materials and curb deforestation. Google’s AI tools also help retailers like Coop and Carrefour improve demand forecasting and inventory management, reducing food waste.
On the consumer side, AI platforms like Reskued redistribute food nearing waste, allowing sustainability at all levels.
Microsoft focuses on helping consumers make more sustainable choices. Its AI offers personalised grocery assistance, considering household size, dietary preferences and budget. It even provides eco-friendly shopping tips and generates recipe ideas based on what’s available, reducing household food waste!
AI-driven solutions from food companies
It’s not just tech giants embracing AI—food companies are also taking the lead.
Walmart uses AI to enhance the customer experience, improve demand forecasting, and streamline operations. For example, its Voice and Text Shopping feature makes reordering groceries as simple as speaking or texting, while AI chatbots handle basic customer service tasks, reducing human workloads and improving efficiency.
Walmart’s in-store associate tool ‘Ask Sam’ helps staff locate products, check prices and assist customers more quickly, reducing inefficiencies. Their generative AI tools offer personalised product recommendations, helping customers make sustainable choices by providing context-specific suggestions.
Nestlé’s AI tool, NesGPT, also demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence.
NesGPT streamlines decision-making across departments, from production to supply chain management. Nestlé has managed to cut product ideation times from six months to six weeks, maintaining high consumer satisfaction.
Future prospects: AI and sustainability
Choco’s efforts highlight the potential AI holds for fostering a more sustainable future. The company connects suppliers with restaurants, using AI to cut down on mistakes, inefficiencies, and over-ordering—key contributors to food waste.
Daniel stresses the urgency of addressing these challenges, particularly as climate change intensifies and the global population is expected to hit 10 billion by 2050.
“We are already confronting significant challenges due to climate change, and by 2050, our food system will need to nourish a global population of 10 billion,” Daniel explains. “The inefficiencies in today’s food system are accelerating us toward a future where it exacerbates issues like poverty, inequality, and political instability, highlighting the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis.”
Daniel’s message is clear: awareness of food waste’s role in climate change is vital, and AI is a powerful tool in tackling this issue.
As he puts it: “Whether you are among the 1.23 billion people working in the food industry or a consumer, we all have a role to play in reducing food waste.
“Let’s seize this moment to drive lasting change, starting now.”
By Chloe Williment
Source: sustainabilitymag.com
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