Big data and sensors tie up fight against food waste

In Arcen, Limburg, software developer Whysor is working to reduce food waste using innovative techniques. Big Data and IoT sensor technology are being used at companies that are part of the food production chain to get food to consumers on time. Do you want to contribute too? They are looking for test companies!

Food waste in the European production chain

A yearly almost 88 million tons of food are wasted in the EU. In monetary terms, this amounts to about 143 million euros per year. The EU wants to halve this waste by 2030 and focuses, among other things, on the food production chain. In the chain of farmer, food processors, packaging industry, logistics and sales, about one third of the total food waste takes place. To reduce this, in 2019 the project REAMIT was launched for Northwest Europe, in which innovative technology will save a total of 1.8 million tons of food per year (3 million euros). This annual saving means not only more food available for consumption, but also a significant saving of raw materials and the reduction of CO2 emissions (5.5 million tons per year).

Data analysis

The focus within REAMIT is on the production chain of fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. The project is being implemented in Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands and aims to inform the food owner in time when the product is in danger of becoming unfit for consumption. By deploying Big Data and IoT (Internet of Things) sensor technology, analysis can be made that helps the owner make decisions to still get the food to the consumer on time. In the Netherlands, Whysor from Arcen has been asked to take charge of the research for this technique.

First Results

Although the REAMIT project was significantly delayed by the coronapandemic, the first results are now visible. Pilot tests with new and existing techniques have been started at companies in France, England, the Netherlands and Northern Ireland. A REAMIT dashboard has been developed, with which the measured values can be seen in real time on a computer or telephone, and an app is being developed with which companies and transporters can be warned to make other choices for the disposal of food if quality deterioration is imminent or observed.

Call

Whysor is looking for companies in the agri-food sector to participate in testing the technology. Any company that is part of the food production chain can participate. Are you interested? Then contact Imke Hermens at 06-37401927 or imke@whysor.com.