Food waste is a global issue - it's estimated that we are wasting 1.3 billion tonnes of food every year (source). If food waste was a country, it would be the third largest emitter of GHG emissions after the USA and China (source). Tackling food waste represents a triple win opportunity - for the climate, for food security, as well as for the sustainability of our food systems. (source). 

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​Every year in Australia, 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted costing the Australian economy A$36.6 billion a year. Wastage occurs across the supply chain, with the commercial food service sector accounting for 18% (or A$6.4 billion) of Australia’s total food waste (source).​

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​Indonesia is the largest food waste disposer in Southeast Asia and the second largest worldwide, with approximately 20.93 million tonnes (or IDR 213 – IDR 551 trillion) per annum. The biggest contributors are hotels, restaurants, catering and supermarkets (source).​

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Food waste is also a big challenge for the airline industry, with around 34% of cabin waste being made up of untouched food and beverages. This is equivalent to the sector incinerating or landfilling $6bn worth of resources per year (source). 

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Collective action is needed to scale up efforts to reduce food waste. As cities, Melbourne and Bandung have the potential to create change by providing support for innovation by businesses and the community and create a global network of innovators committed to sustainability. By connecting diverse communities and encouraging practical innovation, the Challenge can make a significant impact on how food waste is managed and reduced in Melbourne, Bandung and beyond.