When it comes to fighting the fight against food waste, understanding the data behind waste problems is half the solution.

In this episode of Food Waste Matters, Dr Joanne Freeman joins Simon Lockrey from RMIT and Victor Barichello from Empauer. The two have collaborated and created a tool called DIRECT. Businesses can use this tool to measure data and give a comprehensive view of their waste. DIRECT taps into various types of data such as inventory, financial records, and material flows. It then produces efficiency measures for businesses by transforming a basic spreadsheet into a powerful, user-friendly piece of software. Find out more in this episode as they talk about:

• By showing the true cost of waste, including indirect costs like labor, energy, and rent, businesses can realise the financial impact of waste as a whole.

• A case study where DIRECT revealed a much higher true cost of waste than estimated, showcasing the tool’s impact and how much can go unseen.

• Measurement of food loss and waste and the true cost of waste, including indirect costs related to labour, energy, rent and other costs that are apportioned to the material that was wasted.

To learn more about Empauer and DIRECT please visit www.empauer.com.

This podcast is brought to you by Honey & Fox, whose passion is food and the people who produce it. Honey & Fox works with fishers, farmers and small food businesses to help them find and sell to their perfect customers – people who will buy without questioning the price. Find out more at www.honeyandfox.com.au.

This podcast is supported by End Food Waste Australia, which is leading impactful and research-informed food waste actions. To learn more about how they are working toward a more sustainable future, please visit ⁠www.endfoodwaste.com.au⁠.