Food Waste Management Market
The market for Food Waste Management was estimated at $75.3 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $114 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $162 billion by 2035.
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents
Global Food Waste Management Market Outlook
Revenue, 2024
$75.3B
Forecast, 2034
$150B
CAGR, 2025 - 2034
7.2%
The Food Waste Management industry revenue is expected to be around $80.8 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 7.2% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. The undeniable significance of Food Waste Management comes from a deep-seated need to address escalating issues of food wastage and environmental preservation. Driving factors include rising global population, an exponential increase in food production, coupled with inefficient waste disposal methods. Its ongoing relevance is underpinned by emerging stringent regulations, sustainability initiatives, and the realization that responsible management of food waste is not only just environmentally sound but also economically beneficial. Indicative of its relevance, the convergence of technology and waste management strategies has brought to the fore innovative techniques to turn waste into worth.
Food Waste Management can be broadly discerned in the roles it plays in curbing wasteful practices and promoting sustainability. It essentially involves the systematic tracking, collection, processing, recovery, and disposal of food waste. From agricultural and post-harvest operations to retail outlets, households, and foodservice providers- its applications are widespread. Advanced recovery processes such as anaerobic digestion or composting, are being utilized to manage food waste scientifically and deliver valuable outputs such as bioenergy and soil amendments.
Market Key Insights
- The Food Waste Management market is projected to grow from $75.3 billion in 2024 to $151 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 7.2%, reflecting rising demand across Anaerobic Digestion, Incineration and Composting.
- Veolia Environment, Waste Management Inc., Suez Environment are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
- U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Food Waste Management market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.7% to 6.9% between 2024 and 2030.
- Emerging markets including India, UAE and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.3% to 9.9%.
- Transition like Advancements in Technology has greater influence in U.S. and Germany market's value chain; and is expected to add $4 billion of additional value to Food Waste Management industry revenue by 2030.
- The Food Waste Management market is set to add $75.7 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Fertilizers & Biofuels Application projected to gain a larger market share.
- With Enhancing sustainability practices, and Regulatory influence, Food Waste Management market to expand 100% between 2024 and 2034.
Opportunities in the Food Waste Management
Partnerships between regulatory bodies, NGOs, and companies specializing in food waste management can lead to the formulation of advanced waste management strategies and improved regulatory frameworks. These collaborations can also facilitate knowledge exchange on sustainable practices and innovations, providing extensive growth opportunities for food waste management businesses.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia Pacific
In North America, the Food Waste Management market is engaging in an upward trajectory. The regions maturity in waste reduction technology, complimented with the presence of stringent regulatory policies regarding waste management, invites numerous opportunities for expansion. Recycled waste is increasingly being tap into for its potential in renewable energy and organic fertilizers. The main competitors here are Waste Management, Inc. and Republic Services, Inc., who have developed efficient and innovative food waste solutions, though rising companies are also gaining ground. Key market drivers include increasing environmental consciousness among the populace and burgeoning demand in the food and beverage industry for sustainable practices.
In contrast, the Asia Pacific region presents a dynamic landscape for Food Waste Management. Rapid urbanization and drastic changes in lifestyle have led to an alarming rate of food wastage, requiring effective management solutions. Moreover, with the worlds two most populous countries, China and India, significant opportunities lie in scaling the food waste management practices. Some of the leading players are Veolia Environnement and Suez, both bringing ground-breaking techniques to the market. The main drivers involve the pressing need to reduce landfill usage and create a circular economy, underpinned by government initiatives supporting waste management and growing awareness for sustainable living.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Enhancing Sustainability Practices, and Technological Advancements Driving Efficiency
Growing awareness and concerns about environmental sustainability have also propelled the necessity for efficient food waste management techniques. Sustainable food waste solutions, like composting and anaerobic digestion, have also gained traction due to their utility in transforming waste into valuable resources. These methods mitigate environmental hazards, align with green practices, and promote sustainable agriculture, leading to increased demand for innovative waste management mechanisms. The proliferation of technology in the waste management sector presents opportunities for improvement in food waste handling protocols. Advancements in waste tracking solutions, converting food waste into bioenergy, and smart waste bins enhance the efficiency of food waste management processes. These technological leaps encourage more systemic waste management, fostering an environment conducive to industry growth.
The implementation of stringent regulations and penalties associated with improper food waste disposal has also significantly accelerated the growth of the food waste management industry. Governments and environmental bodies worldwide are also introducing measures to curtail the amount of food waste being discarded into landfills. This shift has also propelled the adoption of sustainable food waste management practices, directly impacting growth trends.
02
Restraint: High Implementation and Operational Costs
The economic revelation of food waste management systems represents a primary in this sector. As beneficial as these systems may be, there is a substantial financial implication involved in their installation, maintenance, and operation. These costs can often be prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses and organizations. Apart from the financial outlay for setting up these systems, there are also running costs to consider. This includes energy consumption, regular maintenance, and necessary upgrades. These high costs restrain many potential stakeholders from investing in food waste management systems, thereby limiting market growth.
03
Opportunity: Technological Innovations in the Food Waste Management Sector and Evolving Consumer Needs Anticipating Growth in Food Waste Management
The emerging technological advancements in the realm of food waste management are anticipated to offer significant opportunities for growth. This includes the development of innovative techniques such as aerobic and anaerobic digestion, composting, and vermicomposting to manage food waste more effectively. The integration of these new technologies can increase efficiency, reducing environmental impact and increasing the overall productivity of food waste management systems.
The growing consumer awareness about waste reduction, coupled with an increase in preferences for sustainable products and practices, is significantly influencing the market for food waste management. This shift in consumer behavior presents an untapped for entities in the food waste management market, as demand for efficient and environment-friendly waste disposal continues to rise.
04
Challenge: Lack of Awareness and Regulatory Frameworks
The limited awareness about the benefits of effective food waste management is another major constraint. Many individuals and businesses are simply not only aware of the significant impacts that food waste can have on society and the environment. As a result, they are less willing to invest in waste management strategies.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Waste Collection & Segregation
Waste Management Inc.Veolia Environment S.A
2
Waste Treatment
Suez Environment S.A.Biffa PLC
3
Waste Conversion
BioHiTech Global Inc.Green Conversion Systems
4
Resource Optimization & Marketing
Clean Harbors IncAdvanced Disposal Services
1
Waste Collection & Segregation
Waste Management Inc.Veolia Environment S.A
2
Waste Treatment
Suez Environment S.A.Biffa PLC
3
Waste Conversion
BioHiTech Global Inc.Green Conversion Systems
4
Resource Optimization & Marketing
Clean Harbors IncAdvanced Disposal Services
Use Cases of Food Waste Management in Anaerobic Digestion & Incineration
Anaerobic Digestion : Anaerobic Digestion is a widely used application in Food Waste Management. This process involves the breaking down of organic materials by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment, ultimately turning waste into renewable energy source and compost. One of the major benefits of this technology is the conversion of waste into biogas which can be used as fuel, therefore ridding the environment of harmful waste while producing beneficial elements simultaneously. Key players in this space are Waste Management Inc. and Veolia Environment SA which are known for their innovative solutions and dominant market presence.
Composting : Composting is one of the oldest and most effective forms of food waste management. This method involves the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms, producing compost which is a rich soil conditioner. Much of the food debris that pollutes our environment can be recycled and reused as compost, benefitting agriculture and home gardening. A key advantage of composting is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Major market participants include Clean Harbors Inc. and Biffa group which excel in delivering sustainable compositing solutions with excellent market reputation and business performance.
Incineration : Incineration involves the combustion of organic material within the waste under high temperatures. The process, while proficient at reducing the volume of waste, creates an output which can be harnessed as a power source.
Recent Developments
In the fast-paced world of today, the need for effective food waste management has never been more critical. Advancements in technology have revolutionized food waste disposal methods and introduced sustainable methods that not only tackle the food waste dilemma but also convert it into a resource. A noteworthy development in this domain is the advent of anaerobic digestion technology.
December 2024 : Global composting leader CompostNow introduced its new industrial composting technologies, claiming to increase Food Waste Management efficiency by 30%.
November 2024 : American waste management titan, WM Inc., launched its Green Waste to Biogas program, representing a significant shift towards green energy in the Food Waste Management industry.
October 2024 : The UK based company, ReFood, expanded its operations to Spain, setting new benchmarks for Food Waste Management in Europe.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Food Waste Management Market
As a core segment of the F&B industry,
the Food Waste Management market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Advancements in Technology and Evolving Regulatory Framework have redefined priorities
across the F&B sector,
influencing how the Food Waste Management market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Advancements in Technology
Advancements in food waste management technology have enabled the development of innovative solutions to better handle food waste. These range from advanced composting techniques to mechanized sorting and anaerobic digestion processes. For instance, industries now utilize intelligent waste tracking systems, which help manage and reduce volumes of waste efficiently by providing accurate and realtime waste data monitoring. The use of such advanced technologies has not only cut down the waste quantities but has also significantly reduced costs associated with waste disposal and treatment. Better waste management techniques have also impacted other sectors such as agriculture, which can use the highquality compost or biofertilizer produced from the waste.
02
Evolving Regulatory Framework
As the world grapples with the challenges of waste management and environmental conservation, there have been significant shifts in legislation mandating better food waste management. Regulatory bodies have been focusing on implementing strict standards for food waste disposal and promoting recycling measures. Such regulations have been influencing the operations of catering services, grocery stores, and food processing businesses, pushing them to adopt sustainable practices.