Food Waste Management Market Size (2024-2030)

The Food Waste Management Market was valued at USD 70 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 103.87 Billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%. 

The food waste management market has gained significant traction globally due to rising environmental concerns and the need to address food loss. This market encompasses various strategies and technologies aimed at reducing, recovering, and recycling food waste across the entire supply chain, from production and distribution to consumption. Solutions include composting, anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy processes, and innovative technologies that convert food waste into usable products like fertilizers or animal feed. With increasing awareness, governmental initiatives, and corporate sustainability goals, the food waste management market continues to expand, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions and collaborations across industries.

Key Market Insights:

EU member states are actively aiming to diminish food waste from its roots while investing in effective disposal methods to derive valuable products like fertilizers and biogas. As part of this effort, the EU is dedicated to achieving SDG Target 12.3, aiming to cut per capita global food waste by half at consumer and retail levels before 2030.

Collection services held the largest share, totaling $18.3 billion, followed by recycling at $13.9 billion.

The United States disposes of 40 to 80 billion pounds of food annually, contributing to the global waste of over 1.4 billion tonnes yearly. Each American generates 219 pounds of waste annually, influencing the food waste management market positively. The nation's inclination towards healthier eating habits is expected to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, consequently elevating food waste levels. Government initiatives focusing on educating the public about better preservation methods for fruits and vegetables are anticipated to impact waste production. The U.S. aims to cut food waste by 50% by 2030 through initiatives led by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Food Waste Management Market Drivers:

Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Initiatives is a major and long term driver of food waste management market.

Growing global concern for environmental sustainability is a major driver. With increased awareness of the ecological impact of food waste, consumers, governments, and businesses are actively seeking solutions to minimize wastage. Initiatives promoting sustainable practices and regulations aimed at reducing food waste encourage the adoption of innovative technologies and strategies in the food industry.

Economic Benefits and Resource Optimization associated with food waste management is propelling the market.

Another driver is the recognition of the economic advantages associated with efficient food waste management. Businesses realize that reducing waste not only aligns with sustainability goals but also saves costs by optimizing resources. Recovering and recycling food waste into usable byproducts or energy sources can create new revenue streams, lower disposal expenses, and improve overall operational efficiency for industries involved in food production, distribution, and retail. These economic incentives encourage investment in food waste management solutions.

Food Waste Management Market Restraints and Challenges:

Behavioral Change and Consumer Awareness is a major issue hindering the growth of food waste management market.

One of the primary challenges in food waste management is altering consumer behavior and fostering awareness about the impact of food waste. Despite initiatives and campaigns, changing individual habits and perceptions remains a significant hurdle. Consumers often overlook the consequences of wasting food, leading to substantial losses at the household level. Effective education, incentives, and accessible tools to reduce waste are crucial in driving behavioral change.

Infrastructure and Technology Integration and Streamlining Systems for Efficient Waste Management is crucial, failure in which could pose challenges.

Integrating advanced technologies and establishing robust infrastructures for food waste management poses a challenge due to the diverse nature of waste streams and varying levels of infrastructure development globally. Implementing efficient systems that can handle diverse types of food waste, from households to large-scale industries, requires substantial investment and logistical planning. Standardizing processes and fostering innovation in waste-to-energy technologies, composting facilities, and transportation systems are pivotal for a comprehensive and effective waste management framework.

Food Waste Management Market Opportunities:

The food waste management market presents immense opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable practices. With the increasing global focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, there's a burgeoning demand for efficient waste management solutions across the entire food supply chain. Opportunities lie in the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven analytics, smart waste tracking systems, and advanced recycling and composting techniques. Moreover, collaborations between public and private sectors, along with regulatory support, offer fertile ground for initiatives aimed at reducing food waste, creating new revenue streams from waste conversion, and contributing to a more circular economy. As businesses and governments prioritize sustainability goals, the food waste management market offers a promising landscape for growth and positive environmental impact.

FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Food Waste Management Market Segmentation:

Food Waste Management Market Segmentation: By Waste Type

• Cereals
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Dairy Products
• Meat & Seafood
• Processed food
• Others

The largest segment by waste type in the Food Waste Management Market is the fruits and vegetables category having market share of 31% in 2023. Fruits and vegetables possess a shorter shelf life compared to many other food products, making them more susceptible to spoilage during production, transportation, and storage. Cosmetic standards set by retailers and consumers lead to a significant amount of perfectly edible produce being discarded solely based on appearance. Their perishable nature and over-purchasing habits at both commercial and household levels result in a considerable volume of fruits and vegetables being wasted before consumption. The cumulative impact of these factors positions fruits and vegetables as the largest segment within the food waste management landscape. The fastest-growing segment by waste type in the Food Waste Management Market is also the Fruits & Vegetables category expected to grow at a rate of 5.7%. Fruits and vegetables represent a substantial portion of global food waste, primarily stemming from perishability and aesthetic standards imposed by retailers and consumers. Heightened awareness and initiatives aimed at reducing food waste at the consumer and retail levels have spotlighted this segment. Additionally, innovative solutions such as decentralized composting, utilization of food waste for animal feed or energy generation, and increased adoption of technology-driven approaches for preserving and repurposing these items have driven the growth of this segment.

Food Waste Management Market Segmentation: By Source

• Industrial
• Commercial
• Residential

The largest segment by source in the Food Waste Management Market is typically the Commercial sector contributing 61% to this market in 2023. This segment comprises a broad spectrum of establishments like restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and food retailers. Commercial entities generate substantial quantities of food waste due to factors such as large-scale food preparation, customer demand fluctuations leading to surplus, and stringent quality standards resulting in discarded edible items. Commercial businesses often prioritize waste reduction strategies for both economic and environmental reasons, prompting investments in efficient waste management solutions. Hence, the considerable volume of food waste generated by diverse commercial entities, combined with their efforts to adopt waste minimization practices, positions the commercial segment as the largest contributor to the Food Waste Management Market. The fastest-growing segment by source is also the Commercial sector anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6%. Heightened consumer awareness and regulatory pressures to curb waste at the retail and hospitality levels have spurred innovative waste reduction measures and partnerships between businesses and waste management firms. Additionally, evolving corporate sustainability goals and the pursuit of cost savings through efficient waste management strategies have amplified the focus on addressing food waste within commercial sectors, contributing significantly to the accelerated growth of this segment.

Food Waste Management Market Segmentation: By Technology

• Anaerobic Digestion
• Composting
• Aerobic Digestion
• Incineration
• Landfilling

In 2023, the largest segment by technology in the Food Waste Management Market is often Anaerobic Digestion having market share of 39% . Anaerobic digestion stands out as the primary technology due to its multifaceted benefits. It offers an efficient method to convert organic waste into biogas and organic fertilizers, addressing both waste reduction and energy generation. The process produces renewable energy in the form of biogas, used for electricity, heating, or transportation fuels, aligning with sustainability goals. The resulting digestate serves as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, supporting agricultural practices. Its versatility in handling various types of organic waste and the capacity to generate value-added products positions anaerobic digestion as the dominant technology in food waste management, appealing to both environmental concerns and resource optimization. The fastest-growing segment by technology in the Food Waste Management Market is Anaerobic Digestion. Anaerobic Digestion not only effectively processes organic waste, including food waste, but it also generates biogas, a renewable energy source, and produces nutrient-rich digestate used as fertilizer. Its appeal lies in its dual benefits of waste reduction and energy production, aligning with the growing global focus on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. Technological advancements, government incentives promoting renewable energy, and increased awareness of environmental sustainability have accelerated the adoption of anaerobic digestion technology, making it the fastest-growing segment in food waste management.

Food Waste Management Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

North America typically stands out as the largest region in the Food Waste Management Market holding market share of 40% in the year 2023. North America faces significant food waste challenges due to consumer habits, stringent food safety regulations, and a large food industry. The region has witnessed robust investments in waste management infrastructure, advanced technologies, and innovative solutions aimed at reducing food waste. Heightened awareness among consumers, government initiatives promoting sustainable practices, and collaborations between key industry players and organizations further drive the development and implementation of effective food waste management strategies. The Asia Pacific region stands out as the fastest-growing market in Food Waste Management market. Rapid urbanization and industrialization in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations have led to increased food consumption and subsequently escalated food waste generation. Rising environmental concerns, coupled with government initiatives promoting sustainable waste management practices, drive the adoption of innovative technologies and solutions. Growing awareness among consumers, businesses, and policymakers about the economic and environmental benefits of reducing food waste further fuels the market's expansion in the Asia Pacific.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Food Waste Management Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the food waste management market, inducing shifts in consumption patterns, supply chain disruptions, and altered waste generation. Initially, the closure of restaurants, hospitality sectors, and disruptions in distribution led to a reduction in food waste from commercial sources. However, increased household consumption and panic buying caused a surge in domestic waste. The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilient and adaptable waste management strategies. It accelerated the adoption of technology-driven solutions to monitor, manage, and repurpose food waste, fostering innovation and driving the market towards more sustainable and efficient practices in the post-pandemic landscape.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

A prevailing trend in the food waste management market involves the adoption of circular economy principles. Companies are increasingly focusing on holistic approaches that aim not just to reduce waste but also to repurpose it within the food system. This trend emphasizes minimizing waste generation, optimizing resource utilization, and creating value from waste streams. Businesses are exploring innovative ways to transform food waste into usable by-products like biogas, fertilizers, or animal feed, contributing to a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management.

An essential development in the food waste management market is the integration of advanced technologies and data analytics. This includes the use of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, AI-driven analytics, and smart waste management systems. These technologies help in accurately measuring, monitoring, and analyzing food waste throughout the supply chain. By leveraging data insights, companies can identify inefficiencies, pinpoint areas for improvement, and optimize processes, enabling more targeted and effective waste reduction strategies. Additionally, technology integration allows for real-time tracking, better inventory management, and predictive analytics to minimize waste generation.

Key Players:

1. Waste Management, Inc.
2. Veolia
3. Suez
4. BioHiTech Global
5. Republic Services, Inc.
6. Covanta Ltd.
7. Stericycle, Inc.
8. Remondis SE & Co., KG
9. Clean Harbors, Inc.
10. Advanced Disposal Services

In July 2023, Suez got approval from the Northumberland county council's strategic planning committee for the construction of a £10 million anaerobic digestion state-of-the-art food digester facility. The site's location is slated for Ellington, positioned north of Ashington, on Ellington Road, replacing the current composting and wood shredding site.