How are tech companies such as Too Good To Go using technology to fight food waste? What solutions do we have in Malaysia?
Imagine this: every year, the world wastes enough food to fill millions of trucks. That's right, according to the UN, we're throwing away a staggering 931 million tonnes of food annually! This doesn't just hurt our wallets, it also contributes significantly to climate change - the UN Environment Program estimates it causes up to 10% of global carbon emissions.
Source: Statista
But there's a ray of hope! Thankfully, technology is stepping up to fight food waste. Smartphone apps are changing how people approach food, helping to divert perfectly good food from landfills to hungry bellies. Let's delve into some popular food rescue apps that have been making a difference for years all over the globe.
Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, Too Good To Go (TGTG) is a company on a mission to eliminate food waste. Launched in 2016, they've connected businesses with surplus food to customers in 17 countries, with a strong presence in Europe and a recent foray into the US market in 2020. Their impact is impressive: according to their 2023 report, TGTG has saved over 250 million meals globally! This B Corp-certified company achieved a significant milestone in 2023 when they won a coveted "Cultural Impact Award" at the annual Apple App Store Awards.
But TGTG goes beyond just their app. Recognizing the importance of education, they launched a 2019 campaign promoting the simple yet effective "Look, Smell, Taste" approach before tossing food. This message has resonated – over 500 brands now include a dedicated "Look-Smell-Taste" label on their packaging, thanks to TGTG's initiative.
Source: Impact Report 2023
Priding itself as Asia's No. 1 Surplus Food app, Yindii is a Thai anti-food waste startup. Launched during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown to combat food waste in Bangkok, it connects consumers with restaurants and cafes offering "Happy Hour Deals" on their surplus food at discounted prices. Yindii users can choose to pick up their orders or have them delivered directly to their doors.
Currently operating in Thailand and Hong Kong, with plans for a Singapore launch soon, Yindii's innovative platform benefits both sides. Food businesses minimize losses and boost revenue, while consumers gain access to affordable, high-quality meals.
Source: Instagram
With a mission to halve food waste and loss in Indonesia by 2030, Surplus Indonesia tackles the problem through prevention by introducing the Surplus mobile app, a marketplace for MSMEs, hotels, and farms to sell their overstock and imperfect products at discounted prices (minimum 50% off) near closing time.
Launched in 2021, Surplus has already achieved significant milestones. It became a certified B Corporation in 2022 and partnered with Sarinah Mall, the first mall in Jakarta to run a Zero Food Waste campaign. Additionally, Surplus won the "Most Impactful Enterprise in Asia Pacific 2022" award by IIX (Impact Investment Exchange Singapore). Their reach extends to working with the Indonesian government to accelerate food waste policy changes! Talk about real impact!
Since 2021, Surplus has saved over 200,000 meals and prevented 3.5 tons of CO2 emissions with 100,000 active users and 5,000 registered merchants joining the movement.
Source: Website
Treatsure is Singapore's leading app platform for tackling surplus food in hotels and grocery stores. With over 80,000 users, they save an impressive 50 tonnes of food annually. The story began in 2016 when co-founder Preston Wong, inspired by the issue of food waste at his own home, sought a solution to redistribute surplus food. He teamed up with his developer friends from the National University of Singapore, and within a year, Treatsure was launched.
Treatsure connects businesses with surplus food, such as hotels, to consumers. Their unique "buffet-in-a-box" concept allows users to choose and take away leftover food from hotel buffets after different meal times. This approach is particularly innovative considering most buffet restaurants have a "no takeout" policy. Thanks to Treatsure, Singaporeans can enjoy a plate of leftovers from hotel buffets for just $7.50 through the Treatsure app.
Source: Instagram
Are Malaysians ready to ReMeal?
Following the footsteps of innovative food rescue apps like TGTG, Yindii, Surplus Indonesia and Treatsure, ReMeal is poised to become Malaysia's champion against food waste. This upcoming mobile app will connect consumers with food businesses offering surplus food at discounted prices, providing a win-win for both parties.
With its launch on the horizon, ReMeal presents an exciting opportunity for Malaysians to embrace a more sustainable future. By supporting ReMeal, you can enjoy delicious food at fantastic prices while helping to reduce food waste in the country! Be sure to download the ReMeal app now, available at App Store and Google Play.
Let’s do this Malaysia! #MalaysiaBoleh #fightfoodwaste