Tesco is set to transform food waste management with a groundbreaking facility.
- The new plant will convert 1,000 tonnes of surplus food into animal feed each week.
- RenEco has been commissioned to construct this facility in Northamptonshire.
- Beyond Tesco’s needs, the facility will cater to other food manufacturers and retailers.
- This initiative reflects Tesco’s commitment to reducing global food waste.
Tesco is taking substantial steps towards reducing food waste with the introduction of a new facility, designed to convert surplus food into animal feed. Located in Northamptonshire, the facility will process up to 1,000 tonnes of excess food weekly. This initiative could potentially revolutionise the way the food industry addresses waste, according to Tesco.
The construction project for this facility is being spearheaded by engineering firm RenEco. The plant is poised to employ advanced processes to convert food waste into pulp or crumb animal feed. The main focus will be on fresh produce and bakery surplus, while excess meat and fish will undergo a distinct process to be repurposed into pet food.
Starting in November, the facility will begin receiving deliveries. Notably, only 40% of the plant’s capacity will be utilised for Tesco’s own excess food, allowing the remaining capacity to serve other manufacturers and retailers. This demonstrates Tesco’s broader commitment to tackling food waste across the industry, not just within its own operations.
Claire Lorains, Tesco Group Quality and Sustainability Director, emphasised that ‘Food waste is a global issue, so we’re continually looking for ways that we can reduce this across our own business, and support others to do so across the wider industry too.’ Tesco encourages other businesses to take advantage of this innovative facility.
A critical aspect of this initiative is Tesco’s emphasis on ensuring that any surplus food fit for human consumption is redirected to those in need before being repurposed as animal feed. This reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainability and food waste reduction.
Tesco’s new facility marks a significant milestone in the fight against food waste, setting a precedent for the industry.
