One Stop is collaborating with Whywaste to cut down food waste using innovative technology.
- The Whywaste solution offers precise expiration data and markdown recommendations to prevent product wastage.
- Trial runs of Whywaste’s technology in select One Stop stores achieved a 14.3% waste reduction.
- The programme will expand across 1,000 stores as part of One Stop’s net-zero strategy by 2050.
- Success stories from collaborations with Asda and Spar validate the importance of sustainability in retail.
One Stop has taken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Swedish company Whywaste. The collaboration aims to minimise food waste through advanced technology that provides precise product expiration data and suggests markdowns for items nearing their sell-by date. This initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to retail, focusing not only on sales but also on environmental impact.
The Whywaste solution, tested in four One Stop stores, demonstrated a notable 14.3% reduction in waste within fresh and ambient product ranges. This success has encouraged One Stop to implement the technology across its entire portfolio of 1,000 stores, reinforcing their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This strategic initiative highlights the convenience retailer’s dedication to sustainable business practices.
Richard Turton, the head of supply chain at One Stop, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ‘We’re thrilled to be working with Whywaste – we’re committed to reducing food waste and our environmental impact as much as we can, where we can.’ Turton emphasised the dual benefit of environmental sustainability and consumer savings, as the Whywaste software allows for fair pricing of near-expiry products, offering customers opportunities to save money during their visits.
Whywaste’s head of business development, Ben Holden, acknowledged the positive trend of retailers prioritising sustainability, noting, ‘It is always wonderful to see that retailers are embracing the idea that sustainability is an important part of their business.’ Such collaborations underscore the growing recognition within the retail sector of the value and necessity of sustainable practices.
The positive outcomes of previous partnerships, such as with Asda and Spar, where food waste was reduced by up to 40%, further substantiate the efficacy of Whywaste’s technology. These results provide valuable insights for One Stop’s broader roll-out, offering a roadmap for large-scale impact in food waste management.
One Stop’s partnership with Whywaste exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainability in retail, aiming for substantial environmental benefits.