Precision in Food Waste Processing: Technology Supporting Sustainability

On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on September, 29th, we show how modern measurement technology helps convert food waste into energy efficiently and sustainably – or even prevent it during production.

In food recycling facilities, food waste is shredded and processed in an anhydrous fermenter, producing biogas and fertiliser. KROHNE’s OPTIMASS flowmeters play a key role in this transformation: by precisely measuring the density and mass flow of the shredded material, they ensure that only the necessary amount of water is added — optimising the fermentation process and avoiding excess.

In a specific application, avoiding the evaporation of 8 m³ of water per day results in an energy saving of nearly 5022 kWh.

Beyond waste processing, measurement technology also supports resource efficiency in food production itself. By accurately dosing raw materials, producers can ensure that only the required amount of ingredients is used — reducing overproduction, minimising spoilage, and lowering the CO₂ footprint of valuable food products.

In a world where up to 40% of food is lost or wasted along the value chain, precision matters. Measurement helps shift from a linear to a circular economy — where food is not just consumed, but valued, reused, and returned to the cycle.