Efficient and innovative redistribution of surplus food in Sweden
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Stiftelsen Chalmers Industriteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 946 054 |
| Project duration | November 2019 - December 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Circular and biobased economy |
| Call | Increased resource efficiency through circular economy (stage 2) - development and innovation projects |
Important results from the project
The ReSvinn project aims to develop efficient redistribution systems for surplus food in Sweden from stores and wholesalers to restaurants, schools and charities. We have worked towards this purpose by evaluating three redistribution solutions and setting up and testing collaborations between different actors (deliverers, recipients and the carrier) and have summarized lessons and recommendations so others can start this type of collaboration.
Expected long term effects
The results of the project show that there is great interest from various stakeholder groups to reduce food waste and use surplus food in cooking before it is wasted. The work on surplus food in commercial kitchens, such as in schools and restaurants, has shown how great the will is to learn new ways of working and inspire and involve their students and staff, respectively. The project developed a number of different guides aimed at different stakeholder groups to help them work with / reduce surplus food.
Approach and implementation
The project carried out a total of 17 tests where restaurants, schools and charities received surplus food from stores and wholesalers. The tests lasted different lengths, but all but one were carried out during the period March 2019 to December 2021 and took place in Gothenburg, Malmö, Stockholm, Skövde, Norrtälje, Umeå and Örebro. Here, over 95 tons of food were saved from being thrown away. Lessons and recommendations are summarized in an industry report as well as in several guides.