Last mile
He admits that logistics is not the most significant contributor of the waste trajectory. "There is a lot of waste in the consumer's fridge. In addition, here is always a fixed percentage that is not sold at whole sale level. The largest amount gets thrown away in the 'last mile', even before it gets consumed. The difference between 'waste' in developing countries and industrialised countries is interesting. In developing countries, the largest amount is lost during harvesting and processing. In industrialised countries, it is mostly at wholesale level. The waste in Europe is also quite a lot higher than in Asia and Africa."
Smart logistics
Steve sees it as a challenge for the logistics sector to reduce this waste. "We, in the logistics sector can build bridges. We are already actively reducing food waste in the harbours. For this reason we have as 600 million m3 refrigerated storage globally. In addition, we, at foodcareplus, also invest in smart logisitcs, with more emphasis on correct temperatures and timeliness.
What can the sector do?
According to Steve businesses must work closer together in future. "We also need to offer tailor-made logistical processes. It is important that specialists do this as you need to be very careful when working with food. We must implement better production planning and then invest in logistical tools. Sharing information with each other is crucial. Reaction times in some parts of the chain also needs to improve."
According to Steve businesses must work closer together in future. "We also need to offer tailor-made logistical processes. It is important that specialists do this as you need to be very careful when working with food. We must implement better production planning and then invest in logistical tools. Sharing information with each other is crucial. Reaction times in some parts of the chain also needs to improve."
NxtPort
One of the things that several parties in the ports are hard at work at, is NxtPort. The Antwerp Harbor Community introduced a digital platform at the end of January. This will act as a kind of 'virtual storage' of information derived from the maritime supply chain. NxtPort is aimed at improving the efficiency of container transfers at the Port of Antwerp. "By gathering and sharing more real-time with the various parties, we can transport goods faster and smarter. This also means we can reduce food waste. We can even generate more income with the correct logistics."
Steve says the sector needs to think about eventually changing its business model. "Can we perhaps freeze or process certain products, destined to be processed anyway, in the logistics process? Or store and only trade when there is a demand for them?
For more information:
Steve Alaerts
foodcareplus
Office Sneeuwbeslaan 14
2610 Wilrijk (Belgium)
Phone +32-3-2429154
Fax +32-3-2481167
s.alaerts@foodcareplus.com
www.foodcareplus.com