A WWF study found that an estimated 3.3 million tonnes of food is lost and wasted on UK farms each year from primary production alone. This equates to 6 million tonnes of CO2eq., accounting for approximately 10% of UK agricultural emissions
Waste Knot are a fruit and vegetable supplier who are working to bring farm stage food waste to the forefront, taking surplus veg out of farmers’ fields and into chefs’ kitchens.
They rescue familiar staples, unusual crops, and little used plant parts that are often discarded, all from farms that are Red Tractor and / or LEAF accredited.
To account for variances in yield, whilst ensuring availability of the precise quantities that the market demands farmers have to grow far more than they actually need, about 3 million tonnes more in fact.
This responsibly grown produce is redistributed throughout the hospitality industry to restaurants, community cafes, school, offices and more.
The Waste Knot Way
Around half of Waste Knot’s rescued fruit and veg goes to charities that are working to alleviate food poverty. They work with FareShare to supply more than 10,000 charities and community groups across the UK.
“We are very proudly, one of FareShare’s biggest surplus fresh produce suppliers, having reached the 5m meal mark in January this year.”
Waste Knot’s redistribution of this food gives growers a new market for their surplus while giving chefs the challenge and reward of making great food from seasonal ingredients.
Waging a War on Waste | Waste Knot x Restaurant Associates
In just 1 year, Waste Knot have helped Restaurant Associates to save ~45 tonnes of fresh produce, equivalent to over 72 tonnes of embedded CO2 and 68 million tonnes of embedded water.
“…by offering our guests dishes made from fresh produce embedded with an emotive message, it has served to act as a platform for engagement in wider issues surrounding sustainability.” Ben Harman, Head of Culinary, RA
To hear more about Waste Knot, get in touch with Jess at jess@wasteknot.org.uk.
