9 European tech startups solving food waste management issues

It is estimated by the United Nations that over one-third of the total food produced globally is tossed instead of eaten. Not only food but the waste, land and other resources that get into producing the same also go waste. What’s more concerning about food waste is the emission of greenhouse gases. It is reported that if food waste were a country, then it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world trailing behind China and the USA.

As an increased number of people is moving towards living a sustainable life, there is an increased focus on better food waste management techniques. Industries involved in all stages starting from farming to grocery stores to restaurants work with a pressing concern to minimise food waste. Having said that, here we have listed some of the promising food waste management startups in Europe that work towards reducing the negative impact on the environment caused due to wasted food as sourced from Dealroom.

Too Good To Go (Denmark)

Founders: Chris Wilson, Jamie Crummie, Klaus B. Pedersen
Funding: €10.3 million
Founded year: 2016

What it does: Too Good To Go is a Danish startup dedicated to fight against food waste. The company lets people buy unsold and surplus food from cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries, which would otherwise end up in landfills. With its app, you can find your favourite meal and get a discount on it as well. It is one of the fast-growing food waste management startups that has expanded into 12 countries.

OLIO (London)

Founders: Tessa Clarke, Saasha Celestial-One
Funding: €7.5 million
Founded year: 2016

What it does: OLIO is a free app that connects neighbours to ensure that surplus food and other items are shared instead of being wasted. The location-based app and website let users list and post a photo of the unwanted food items that will otherwise go waste. These can be shared with other people who are in need of the same neighbourhood.

Karma (Sweden)

Founders: Elsa Bernadotte, Hjalmar Ståhlberg Nordegren, Ludvig Berling, Mattis Larsson
Funding: €14.8 million
Founded year: 2015

What it does: Karma works with the mission to make sure that food is never wasted. The company intends to lead the shift towards a more sustainable society. It believes that everyone works together, then it is possible to make a meaningful difference in the future. This Swedish food waste management app connects surplus food from cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores to consumers at a low price.

Phenix (France)

Founders: Baptiste Corval, Jean Moreau
Funding: €15 million
Founded year: 2014

What it does: Paris-based food waste management startup Phenix is specialised in food donation and waste recovery. The company uses technology to reduces waste and its impact on the environment. Phenix offers an alternative to landfills and incineration, finds the best value chain for unsold food products such as donations to charity, recycling, etc. This startup works closely with over 950 associations and 1000 clients and is all set to expand its presence in select countries.

Winnow (UK)

Founders: Kevin Duffy, Marc Zornes
Funding: €21.4 million
Founded year: 2013

What it does: Winnow has created a solution called Winnow Vision, which is an AI tool helping chefs to reduce food waste by 50%. Kitchens using Winnow have witnessed 40-70% reduction in food waste within a year and cost savings between 2-8%. This way, kitchens get more profit margins by doing the right thing.

Easilys (France)

Founders: David Grelaud, Emmanuel Grelaud, Olivier Grelaud
Funding: €1.8 million
Founded year: 2010

What it does: Easilys is a 100% web and multi-site management software letting restauranteurs manage, supply and pilot for restaurants without computer skills. The company operates with the mission to give restaurant owners the power to focus on their business, cuisine, and customer experience. With this software, they can manage their receipts, supplier orders, and assets, inventories, measurement, and analysis of food waste, etc.

FoodCloud (Ireland)

Founders: Aoibheann O’Brien, Iseult Ward
Founded year: 2013

What it does: FoodCloud, an Irish food waste management startup has been quite successful that it has grown into more regions. FoodCloud is one of the first scalable technological solutions to retail level surplus food in Europe. Realising the perishable nature of the food, the startup has come up with a fast and efficient solution that will solve both the environmental and social problems caused by food waste.

MatSmart (Sweden)

Founders: Karl Andersson, Ulf Skagerström
Funding: €38.6 million
Founded year: 2013

What it does: Matsmart is an online food retailer, which works on the mission to reduce food waste. By providing an alternative route to market for surplus food, the company aims to revolutionise and challenge the perception and consumption of food. In addition, it provides discounted prices that enable customers to save money while doing something good for the environment. Notably, it is one of the fastest-growing startups in the Nordics in this industry.

Enevo (Finland)

Founders: Fredrik Kekalainen, Johan Engström
Funding: €37.1 million
Founded year: 2010

What it does: Espoo-based Enevo optimises waste collection by analysing fill-level and operations data using its network of small wireless sensors fitted in the waste containers as well as recycling sites. The network of sensors will send data to Enevo servers for advanced analysis and predictions for waste management municipalities and companies so that these optimise their service costs, fleet utilisation, and fuel consumption. With smart collection plans, Eveno has helped customers save up to 50% of their overall operational costs.

Main image picture credits: OLIO

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