Food waste pervades every level of the food value chain. It is a complex problem that requires diverse, multifaceted, and innovative solutions. Fortunately, many CFIN member companies are building those solutions through cutting-edge biotech, decentralized composting systems, precision fermentation, custom software applications, and beyond.
To highlight the exceptional diversity of Canadian-made food waste and upcycling solutions, here are some of the innovators that are helping other food businesses find operational efficiencies, discover new revenue streams, and develop healthier and more sustainable products—all while making food waste a thing of the past.
Knead Tech
Knead Tech has developed a comprehensive digital platform that revolutionizes food rescue operations. Their software optimizes surplus food redistribution, making it easier for organizations to repurpose excess inventory from restaurants and retailers to help feed people rather than landfills.
Key Food Waste Solutions:
Liven Proteins
Liven Proteins is transforming agricultural side streams into high-performance protein ingredients through synthetic biology and precision fermentation. Their technology creates customized proteins that solve specific functionality challenges in plant-based foods.
Key Food Waste Solutions:
RFINE Biomass Solutions
RFINE has revolutionized the coffee industry's approach to waste management with their on-site processing technology. Their patented system transforms spent coffee grounds into valuable food-grade ingredients, creating new revenue streams for foodservice operators while eliminating waste disposal costs.
Key Food Waste Solutions:
Tait Laboratories
Tait Laboratories converts citrus peel waste into powerful prebiotics via its groundbreaking extraction technology. Their scientifically validated process helps juice manufacturers and food processors turn a disposal expense into a high-value health ingredient.
Key Food Waste Solutions:
Food Cycle Science
Food Cycle Science has developed a suite of food waste processing systems that help municipalities, businesses, and households easily and sustainably manage organic waste efficiently while creating valuable soil amendments.
Key Food Waste Solutions:
Learn more about Food Cycle Science here and in the video below.
Hungry for more innovation inspiration? Visit our new Canadian Foodtech Solutions Page to discover all of the CFIN-funded companies working to address the food industry's biggest challenges. Whether you're looking to eliminate food waste from your operation, develop products with healthy and sustainable upcycled ingredients, or apply innovative foodtech solutions to any other business problem, start here to discover what’s possible.