Outline:
Innovative Technology to Reduce Food Waste
In a world filled with pressing global issues, the challenge of food waste might seem minor. However, for supermarket shoppers, there may be a positive development on the horizon. Three major supermarket chains are introducing cutting-edge technology aimed at solving the frustration of determining when an avocado or other produce will be perfectly ripe.
This new system allows customers to simply pick up an item, such as an avocado or mango, and place it under a machine that uses an infrared scan. Within seconds, a screen above displays a score out of 100 indicating the fruit’s ripeness and the number of days until it spoils.
The technology, developed by the Dutch company OneThird, is designed to reduce the significant levels of food waste that cost retailers and consumers billions annually. The “ripeness checker” is particularly useful for soft, exotic, and stone fruits and vegetables, which are prone to spoilage.
The machine measures the product’s water, sugar, and starch content. Advanced artificial intelligence then compares this data against hundreds of thousands of examples in its database to determine how similar items have fared. The accuracy of the machine varies depending on the type of produce being tested.
For avocados, the machine provides a score from zero to 100. A score above 70 suggests the avocado will go off in four to five days, while those in the mid-range will spoil in two to three days. For strawberries, the machine can narrow the estimate down to a single day.
OneThird founder Marco Snikkers mentioned that the company is in talks with three major British retailers to install the machines, although he did not disclose their names. He noted that all these retailers are already using the machines in their supply chains.
OneThird derives its name from the amount of food wasted every year—approximately 40% of which is fresh produce due to spoilage. The device is currently capable of working with avocados, tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries. The company also plans to expand the scanner’s use to include grapes, bananas, mangoes, and raspberries.
Mr. Snikkers emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of food waste, stating that the volume of wasted food is heartbreaking, especially in affluent countries. He added that the company has worked hard to create technology that helps tackle this global challenge, directly impacting food scarcity.
Future Possibilities in Reducing Food Waste
As the technology continues to evolve, there are exciting possibilities for further reducing food waste in supermarkets. Other innovations, such as sad-looking labels on single bananas, natural Australian inventions, and AI-powered trolleys, are also being explored to revolutionize grocery shopping and minimize spoiled food.
Another notable development is Mimica’s Bump Tag, created in collaboration with the University of Reading. This innovation aims to revolutionize expiry dates and could potentially slash household food waste by 63%.
Additionally, Waitrose’s AI-powered trolleys are set to transform the shopping experience with real-time product tracking and effortless checkout processes.
These advancements highlight the growing efforts in the retail sector to address food waste through innovative solutions. As more technologies emerge, the potential for significantly reducing waste and improving sustainability in the food industry becomes increasingly promising.