Meet the entrepreneurs who are changing the fate of food waste with creativity and innovation.
In a world where we’re facing big environmental challenges and trying hard to make the most of what we have, there’s a huge problem staring us in the face: food waste. Imagine this—for every three bites of food you take, one was wasted somewhere along the way. That’s right, about a third of all food meant for us never gets eaten, ending up in the trash instead. That’s a lot of wasted resources—like water, land and energy—not to mention the extra greenhouse gases it adds to our planet.
But, here’s the good news: some super creative startups are fighting back. They’re coming up with smart and cool ways to give food waste a new life. From turning leftovers into something animals can eat to making sure less food gets thrown out in the first place, these pioneers are redefining our interactions with food waste, turning what was once considered trash into treasure.
Image from Freepik
In India, a country where the Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2021 report highlights that 40% of food produced never reaches our plates due to fragmented food systems and supply chain inefficiencies, the dream seems far off. But here’s where Wastelink, a Delhi-based B2B food upcycling startup, steps in, turning this dream into a tangible reality.
This Delhi-based B2B startup is pioneering a circular economy model, transforming food waste into nutritious, high-energy animal feed. Named “ecoFeed”, their product line is the result of upcycling by-products, surplus and rejected food items. Wastelink’s approach is comprehensive—they not only collect waste but also process it, ensuring responsible disposal. In addition, it has an app called “Reverse” that allows brands and retailers to keep an eye on their food waste journey from collection to conversion and even manage stock audits.
Image from Wastelink
The founding duo, Saket Dave and Krishnan Kasturirangan, were inspired by their early experiences with food waste management during their university days and subsequent community-led projects. Realizing the need for cost-effective and engaging solutions, they launched Wastelink in 2018. Today, the startup boasts a sprawling logistics network, rescuing food waste from over 50 cities and upcycling more than 5,000 metric tons. Their efforts have not only contributed to a cleaner environment but also nourished over 20,000 animals and conserved 15,000 liters of water.
In terms of growth, Wastelink has been on a roll. In 2021, they bagged INR1.6 crores (around US$193,000) from angels like Indigram Labs and generous family and friends. The momentum didn’t stop there, as the following year they secured a hefty seed funding of INR10 crore (about US$1.2 million) led by Matterhorn Projects LLP, Indigram Labs, Sanjiv Rangrass and more angel investors.
Hong Kong discards an astonishing 13 million bowls of rice daily, a statistic that sparked the creation of Chomp. Founded by Carla Martinesi and Chris Wettling in August 2021, Chomp seeks to mend the gap between consumers hunting for affordable food options and businesses struggling with surplus stocks. Its mobile app combats food wastage by offering an assortment of food items in a “Mystery Box”—from bakery delights and salads to hot sauce and craft beer, all at a minimum of 25% off.
Designed for simplicity and ease, the Chomp app allows users to sign up, explore vendors offering the “Mystery Box”, make purchases and schedule pickups. Today, Chomp has cultivated a dedicated user base and boasts a network of over 115 business partners in popular foodie locations like Causeway Bay, Central, Sheung Wan and Wan Chai.
The founders’ vision extends beyond the app’s current success. They aim to expand Chomp’s reach across Hong Kong to establish a partner in every district, as well as continue to promote sustainable living and transform our relationship with food.
Image from Ottan Studio
In the bustling streets of Istanbul, Ottan Studio stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Founded by architect Ayşe Yılmaz in 2018, Ottan Studio breathes new life into locally sourced organic waste, transforming it into high-quality, durable materials used in architecture, interior design and even fashion.
Ottan Studio’s process begins with the collection of organic waste from local sources, including fruit and vegetable peels, expired flowers and coffee grounds. Through a proprietary process, these materials are converted into furniture and home decorations like tiles, tables, coasters, lighting and wall panels. These creations not only offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials but also boast unique textures and colors derived from the organic matter used.
To ensure a sustainable and ethical supply chain, Ottan Studio collaborates with local businesses, waste management companies and municipalities to source its raw materials. Also, Yilmaz has pledged to plant a new tree sapling for every product Ottan Studio sells.
By turning waste into wonder, Ottan Studio not only addresses the pressing issue of waste management but also introduces a new aesthetic to the design world, one that celebrates the beauty and potential of recycled materials.
The efforts of Wastelink, UglyGood, Chomp and Ottan Studio, along with other food waste management startups out there, are a powerful movement towards a more sustainable and efficient future. By embracing technology and a deep commitment to the environment, they are inviting us all to rethink our relationship with food.
With every bite we save from the bin, we’re taking a step towards a planet where food waste belongs in history books. So, let’s get inspired, make smarter choices and support these eco-warriors in making our world a better place, one innovative solution at a time.
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Header Image Courtesy of Freepik
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