Do you really know? What can supermarkets do to reduce food waste?
Jan 23, 2026
Food waste is a shocking reality, with a third of all produced food going to waste globally. Supermarkets contribute significantly to this issue, with common practices like overstocking and outdated label rules exacerbating the problem. Innovative technologies are being explored to track expiration dates and offer dynamic discounts. Initiatives promoting imperfect produce aim to reduce waste while still providing value. As we approach Black Friday, it's time to rethink our consumption habits and strive for more sustainable choices.
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Food Waste Is A Major Climate Problem
- Around a third of all produced food globally gets wasted, driving about 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Supermarket-scale waste (e.g., 200,000 tonnes in the UK) magnifies household-level food waste into a major climate problem.
Store Policies And Stocking Drive Waste
- Supermarket rules can prevent donating own-label items after expiry and cause waste.
- Overstocking to avoid empty shelves also increases unsold food that later gets discarded.
Automate Dating And Discount Near-Expiry Items
- Use automated date-tracking to reduce errors and save staff time compared with manual checks.
- Apply discounts to near-expiry items so supermarkets recoup revenue and prevent waste.