Asda has collaborated with Whywaste on a new data solution that could simplify the supermarket’s mark-down process through an app that records expiry dates with the aim of reducing food waste.
According to Asda, the Whywaste digital date checking solution identifies products that are close to the expiry date on the packaging and sends this information to Asda employees via an app. This apparently means employees do not need to look at every product individually, enabling them to mark down products more efficiently.
Asda says that this means no product is overlooked and that upcoming expiry dates can be acted upon more quickly. The company adds that this will help with its goal of reducing food waste by at least 50% by 2030.
Andrew Hudson, waste process manager at Asda, comments: “To reach our waste targets we are constantly looking for technologies and tools to help.
By partnering with Whywaste we can help eliminate unnecessary food waste from our shelves by identifying products nearing the end of their lifespan easier and encouraging customers to purchase them by reducing their price and increasing their visibility.
“We have had great feedback from our stores and we are excited by the positive impact this new technology will have.
“The collaboration started with a pilot in one store in early 2020, with the complete roll out in all stores finalised earlier this year.”
Martin Grådal, co-founder and CTO of Whywaste, adds: “The UK is world leading when it comes to tackling food waste.
“Whywaste are therefore extra proud to announce our collaboration with Asda, a chain in the forefront of this important work.
“For the past two years we’ve had the privilege of working closely together with Asda’s waste and supply chain management with the ambition of implementing our solution across all superstores and supermarkets. Our joint journey of eliminating food waste has just begun.”
Asda is one of the retailers participating in a refill trial led by Re, where customers can purchase items like shampoo or laundry detergent in reusable and refillable bottles via machines installed in select stores.
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