From Waste to Worth: The Future of Food Sustainability

At Beyond Best Before, we know Australia faces a serious food waste crisis. Every year, an estimated 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted—around 20% of all the food produced in the country. That’s equivalent to $36 billion in lost resources annually. This level of waste highlights inefficiencies in the food supply chain and raises concerns about environmental sustainability and food security.
Food waste happens at every stage—from farms and processing plants to retailers and households. Farmers often have to throw away perfectly good produce simply because it doesn’t meet the strict aesthetic standards set by retailers. Supermarkets also reject fruits and vegetables for being the “wrong” size or shape, contributing to mountains of waste. Meanwhile, households throw away about 20% of the food they buy, usually because of overbuying, poor planning, or confusion around dates on labels.
The environmental impact is just as alarming. Food waste in landfills produces methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. In fact, food waste accounts for about 3% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Add to that the water, energy, and labor it takes to produce the food we waste, and it’s clear this issue goes far beyond what’s on our plates.
That’s why we started Beyond Best Before. By rescuing short-dated pantry items, surplus stock, and products that don’t fit the typical mold, we’re giving perfectly good food a second chance. Shopping with us doesn’t just mean saving money—it means being part of the solution. Together, we’re keeping food out of landfills, reducing waste, and challenging the status quo of what’s considered “good enough” to eat.
There’s still a long way to go, but the good news is that change is possible. From smarter shopping and meal planning at home to supporting businesses like ours, every small step adds up. Tackling food waste isn’t just about saving resources—it’s about creating a more sustainable and fair food system for everyone.
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