Food Waste Management Market Report

Global Food Waste Management Market:

The global food waste management market size reached USD 78.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 128.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.23% during 2025-2033. The increasing awareness and environmental consciousness, stringent regulations and government initiatives, rising demand for resource optimization, growing adoption of advanced technologies, expanding food and beverage industry, and importance of corporate social responsibility are some of the major factors propelling the market growth.

Food Waste Management Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Growing awareness about the environmental impact of food waste, such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, coupled with the need to optimize resources, including food, is driving the market growth. Moreover, minimizing food waste helps to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance sustainability credentials, thereby propelling the demand for food waste management.
• Key Market Trends: The integration of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics in food waste management along with the adoption of CSR and sustainability programs by numerous companies in their operations is anticipated to stimulate the market growth. Besides this, the rising penetration among companies towards reducing waste and environmental impact in order to enhance brand reputation is adding to the industry demand.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent food waste management market companies in the market include Clean Harbors Inc., Covanta Holding Corporation, FCC Environment (UK) Limited, Hulsey Environmental Services Inc., Remondis SE and Co. KG, Republic Services Inc., Stericycle Inc., Suez (Sofina), Veolia, and Waste Management Inc., among many others.
• Geographical Trends: According to the food waste management market insights, Europe currently dominates the overall market. European Union (EU) member states have been implementing regulations to reduce food waste and improve waste management practices. Initiatives such as the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan set targets for reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices throughout the food supply chain, thereby stimulating the market growth.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Complex food supply chain, lack of awareness among people regarding the consequences of food waste, and numerous regulatory compliances are hampering the market growth. However, advances in technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and artificial intelligence, offer opportunities to improve food waste management.

Food Waste Management Market Trends:

Growing Public Awareness and Environmental Concerns

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in public awareness and environmental consciousness regarding the issue of food waste. Consumers, businesses, and governments are increasingly recognizing the detrimental environmental impacts of food waste, including the emission of greenhouse gases, depletion of natural resources, and contribution to climate change. For instance, according to an article published by Earth.org, food waste accounts for one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and produces 8% of greenhouse gases per year. Besides this, food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions when it decomposes in landfills, emitting methane. For instance, according to an article published by World Wildlife, when food gets to landfill and rots, it emits methane, a greenhouse gas which is stronger than CO₂. Reducing food waste might eliminate approximately 6%-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. In the United States alone, the creation of lost or discarded food produces the equivalent of 32.6 million automobiles worth of greenhouse gas emissions. These factors are contributing to the food waste management market share.

Stringent Regulations and Government Initiatives

Governments around the world are implementing stringent regulations and initiatives to combat food waste. They are setting targets for waste reduction, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and promoting sustainable waste management practices. For instance, in November 2022, the Minister of State in charge of the circular economy at the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, unveiled Ireland's new National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023–2025. The roadmap sets out actions that can be taken over the coming years, in order to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Besides this, governments worldwide are implementing regulations and policies aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainable waste management practices. These regulations often include targets for reducing food waste generation, providing funding, incentivizing recycling and composting, and implementing stricter waste disposal regulations. For instance, in September 2015, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the U.S. 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Target. The goal was to minimize food loss and waste in half by 2030. Moreover, the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) provided funding through its Composting and Food Waste Reduction cooperative agreements. In 2022, US$ 10.2 million was allocated to pilot projects that create and implement food waste reduction strategies and composting programs. These factors are further driving the food waste management industry growth.

Increasing Adoption of Advanced Technologies

The increasing adoption of advanced technologies is playing a crucial role in transforming food waste management practices. Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics are being used to monitor, track, and predict food waste generation, optimize inventory management, and improve efficiency throughout the supply chain. For instance, in January 2024, Too Good To Go, the social impact company driving the world's largest excess food marketplace, launched the Too Good To Go Platform. This modular end-to-end surplus food management solution allows grocery merchants, ranging from hypermarkets to convenience stores, to extract value from excess inventory. Powered by AI, the Too Good to Go Platform seamlessly records and helps to redistribute surplus. Besides this, innovations in packaging materials and designs help extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Oxygen scavengers, moisture control agents, and temperature-sensitive labels are examples of technologies embedded in packaging to preserve food freshness and quality. For instance, in March 2023, Hellmann's, a Unilever brand, started testing smart mayonnaise jars that alert users when fridge temperatures are at optimal ranges for food freshness in order to reduce food wastage. When the temperature in the refrigerator drops below 41°F, the labels use thermochromic ink to reveal concealed images. These factors are adding to the industry demand.

Global Food Waste Management Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global food waste management market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on waste type, process, source, and application.

Breakup by Waste Type:

• Cereals
• Dairy Products
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Fish and Sea Food
• Processed Food
• Others

Fruits and vegetables dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the waste type. This includes cereals, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, fish and sea food, processed food, and others. According to the food waste management market report, fruits and vegetables represented the largest segment.

Fruits and vegetables waste management focuses on the efficient handling and treatment of waste generated from fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables. Waste in this category can occur at various stages of the supply chain, including production, distribution, and retail. Effective waste management strategies include optimizing inventory management, minimizing post-harvest losses, and implementing recycling or composting methods for waste diversion. The demand for fruits and vegetables waste management solutions is driven by the substantial consumption and production of fresh produce globally. The market is also influenced by factors such as increasing consumer awareness of food waste and sustainability, as well as the regulatory emphasis on reducing waste and promoting responsible resource management. Businesses and governments are actively adopting measures to minimize waste, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce environmental impact in the fruits and vegetables sector. For instance, according to an article published by the International Food Policy Research Institute in March 2023, fruits and vegetables accounted for the greatest loss and waste i.e., 31% of the total production in 2021-2022.

Breakup by Process:

• Aerobic Digestion
• Anaerobic Digestion
• Combustion/Incineration
• Others

Anaerobic digestion holds the majority of the market share

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the process has also been provided in the report. This includes aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion, combustion/incineration, and others. According to the report, anaerobic digestion accounted for the largest market share.

Anaerobic digestion in waste management involves the process of converting organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate through the action of microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. Organic waste, such as food waste, agricultural residues, and sewage sludge, is fed into anaerobic digesters, where it undergoes biochemical reactions to produce biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be utilized as a renewable energy source for electricity generation, heat production, or as a vehicle fuel. The remaining digestate can be further processed into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Anaerobic digestion offers several benefits, including waste diversion, renewable energy production, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and nutrient recycling. The market for anaerobic digestion is driven by increasing regulations and incentives for waste diversion and renewable energy, as well as the need to address organic waste management challenges in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. For instance, in December 2023, Cre launched a new aerobic digestion training course to develop the anaerobic digestion technology in Ireland.

Breakup by Source:

• Primary Food Producers
• Food Manufacturers
• Food Distributors and Suppliers
• Food Service Providers
• Municipalities and Households

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes primary food producers, food manufacturers, food distributors and suppliers, food service providers, and municipalities and households.

The market for primary food producers in waste management focuses on addressing waste generated at the initial stages of food production, including farms, fisheries, and livestock operations. Waste in this category may include agricultural residues, spoiled or damaged crops, and byproducts from animal farming. Effective waste management strategies for primary food producers include composting, animal feed production, and anaerobic digestion. Moreover, the market is driven by the need to optimize resource utilization, comply with regulations, and reduce environmental impact at the primary production level. The market for food manufacturers in waste management involves managing waste generated during food processing and manufacturing operations. This includes food scraps, packaging waste, and byproducts from processing activities. While the market for food distributors and suppliers in waste management deals with waste generated during distribution, storage, and retail operations. This waste may include expired products, damaged goods, and unsold inventory. Effective waste management strategies for food distributors and suppliers involve inventory management optimization, donation programs, and recycling initiatives.

Breakup by Application:

• Animal Feed
• Fertilizers
• Biofuel
• Power Generation

Animal feed is the largest application segment

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application has also been provided in the report. This includes animal feed, fertilizers, biofuel, and power generation. According to the report, animal feed represented the largest segment.

According to the food waste management market outlook, animal feed in waste management involves repurposing food waste and byproducts as a valuable source of nutrition for livestock and aquaculture. Food waste that is unsuitable for human consumption can be processed into animal feed, reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization. Animal feed applications in waste management contribute to the circular economy by transforming food waste into a valuable nutrient source, reducing environmental impact, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

Europe exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe holds the largest market share for food waste management.

Europe has a substantial food waste management market due to its strong regulatory framework and commitment to sustainability. The European Union has set ambitious targets to reduce food waste and promote circular economy practices. Strict waste management regulations, including landfill diversion and recycling targets, drive the demand for advanced waste management technologies. Additionally, European countries have robust waste collection and treatment infrastructure, along with public awareness and consumer education programs. The emphasis on reducing waste, minimizing environmental impact, and resource optimization has made Europe a prominent market for food waste management solutions. For instance, in September 2021, Radisson Hotel Group partnered with Too Good To Go in Europe, that allows enterprises to redistribute extra food at the end of a shift or day in order to reduce food wastage in Europe. 

Competitive Landscape:

Prominent waste management companies are investing in advanced waste processing technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and composting facilities, to efficiently manage food waste. Additionally, technology providers are developing cutting-edge solutions to monitor and track food waste throughout the supply chain. This includes the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize inventory management, identify waste hotspots, and improve forecasting accuracy. Other than this, food industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants, are actively engaged in reducing food waste at the source. They are implementing strategies such as inventory optimization, improved production planning, and donation programs to minimize food waste.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Clean Harbors Inc.
• Covanta Holding Corporation
• FCC Environment (UK) Limited
• Hulsey Environmental Services Inc.
• Remondis SE and Co. KG
• Republic Services Inc.
• Stericycle Inc.
• Suez (Sofina)
• Veolia
• Waste Management Inc.

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Food Waste Management Market Recent Developments:

• June 2024: Lightning Renewables and Archaea Energy installed their first renewable natural gas (RNG) plant (JV). The Republic National Serv-All Landfill near Fort Wayne. Landfill gas, a naturally occurring byproduct of food waste decomposition, would be collected from Republic Services' landfill and converted into RNG at the Fort Wayne AMD plant.
• June 2024: The White House introduced a comprehensive national strategy aimed at curbing food waste in the United States.
• June 2024: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced to adopt Winnow's food waste solution in all of its properties by the end of 2025.

Food waste management Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the food waste management market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global food waste management market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the food waste management industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.