Potato Processing Industry Reduces Food Waste by 5.5%

In a recent study conducted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in collaboration with the foundation Together Against Food Waste and the Association for the Potato Processing Industry (VAVI), it has been determined that the Dutch potato processing industry has achieved a significant decrease of 5.5% in food waste since 2020.

The analysis, based on self-reporting from the six leading members of VAVI, including Agristo, Aviko, Farm Frites, Lamb Weston, McCain, and Peka Kroef, reveals that 96.6% of processed potatoes find a purpose as food or animal feed. Only 3.4% is wasted, demonstrating the active commitment of this industry to reduce waste.

Significance of Monitoring and Insight

The potato processing industry, annually transforming four billion kilograms of potatoes into various products, including frozen fries, has intensified its efforts to monitor and reduce food waste. Through voluntary reporting of waste data using a sector-specific template, developed in collaboration with WUR, companies not only gain insight into their own waste but also use it as a benchmark within the sector.

Decrease in Food Waste Since 2020

The research indicates that the sector's food waste decreased to 3.4% in 2022, compared to 3.6% in 2020. Companies have focused on source optimization and production process improvement, with particular emphasis on optimizing the treatment of by-products for animal feed rather than fermentation.

Sector Monitor as an Effective Tool

Since 2020, members have made their food waste visible, enabling them to work strategically towards reduction. The sector monitoring not only serves as an internal tool but also motivates companies to compare their performance with the sector average.

Minimal Food Waste in Chilled Products

In addition to frozen products, the study reveals that food waste in chilled potato products is only 0.1%. This impressive result demonstrates the sector's effective management of residual streams, primarily converting them into animal feed and optimizing the food chain.

Vavi.nl