We’ve done the research
Learn more about the research powering impactful food waste solutions.
End Food Waste Australia is one of the world’s largest food waste research and development organisations. Our work utilises this science to extend into action – we are incredibly proud to lead industry action through our memberships and deliver The Great Unwaste campaign helping Australians save food at home. Connecting businesses, governments and households to practical and evidence-based solutions to save food is at the core of our work.
Evidence-based solutions to save food.
Through research and partnerships, we’ve taken big food waste problems and created practical actions that businesses and communities can actually use. Our research quantified how confusing date and storage labels are contributing to food waste and has informed clearer and creative on-pack advice. We’ve designed packaging criteria that helps businesses extend shelf life and makes food easier to use up than thrown away. We’ve worked alongside food rescue charities and our members and seen the equivalent of 254 million meals be donated to help feed Australians in need. And we’ve developed sector-specific plans to tackle shared food waste challenges and translate solutions into practical resources like the Hospitality Hub – helping businesses like the Opera Bar reduce waste by one-third.
Upcycling and food transformation innovation
While we use the term “food waste”, we see it differently; as quality food with untapped potential. Our research has helped turn surplus strawberries into new marketable freeze-dried products helping a strawberry grower reduce their waste by 80%, transformed out-of-spec tomatoes into shelf-stable relishes, juice, and chutneys, surplus bread into versatile bread flour, and surplus produce into nutritious shelf-stable meals for people in need. The global upcycled food market is projected to reach $US68 billion by 2032, and End Food Waste research is helping ensure Australian growers and food businesses can tap into this opportunity – including with the accelerating food transformation guide for manufacturers.
Behaviour change science baked into The Great Unwaste campaign.
End Food Waste Australia led the country’s most comprehensive research into household food waste behaviours, identifying the everyday actions, barriers and messages most likely to help Aussies save food at home. These findings now underpin The Great Unwaste campaign and provide councils, community partners and industry with seven evidence-based behaviours, and supporting education resources and intervention ideas that really work.
Research impact:
- Helped a strawberry grower reduce their food waste by 80% and create new value-add food products.
- Worked with the Opera Bar to reduce their food waste by one-third.
- Supported our Members to donate the equivalent of 254 million meals to food rescue organisations from 2022-2024
- $57 million saved by our Members through food waste reduction from 2022-2024.
Get involved in research
There are opportunities for our Members to get involved in End Food Waste Australia research programs.
Current opportunities include:
- Small and Medium Enterprise Packaging and Machinery Solutions Centre
- Reducing on-farm food waste program
- Date Labelling and Storage Advice- Phase 2 (COMING SOON)
Meet the food waste warriors leading our research:
The End Food Waste Australia team is passionate about research, partnerships and advocacy. They’ve also contributed to the body of research and development of practical resources businesses and communities can now access as Members.
Our research team are some of the Australia’s leading voices in food waste reduction, upcycling foods, circular economy solutions, and all have a passion for collaboration. and partnering for impact. Our End Food Waste Australia Members are supported by an expert team of Technical Specialists ready to connect research-evidence to real-world impact.
Francesca Goodman-Smith, Director of Research, Development and Extension, End Food Waste Australia – Global expert in upcycled food, food waste behaviour and food transformation.
Professor Simon Lockrey, REDUCE Program Lead, End Food Waste Australia – Distinguished leader in food waste reduction and circular solutions.
Molly Chapman, TRANSFORM Program Lead and Horticulture Lead, End Food Waste Australia – Expert in circular food transformation, impactful industry research collaborations, and maximising value.
Associate Professor Bryan Coad, Research Director, End Food Waste Australia – Food waste reduction expert and transformation of food waste into value-added products and sustainable packaging solutions.
Minerva Bailey, Data and Insights Lead, End Food Waste Australia – Specialist in data, measurement and food waste impact reporting.
Dr Valeria Torok, Food Safety Leader, End Food Waste Australia – Food safety and food waste transformation into safe animal feed lead.