The root cause of most of these issues is one or a combination of failures around product and packaging design, process and system design or operational control and conversion. Each of these root causes can be significantly reduced with a set of fairly simple actions. Overcoming common barriers
WASTE REASON
SOLUTION
Product and packaging design Example: Waste caused by inefficiently designed product or packaging specifications. Found in: Quality Control, Preparation, Planning, Operations. Issue: Innovation without understanding factory constraints can lead to specifications that effectively build repeated waste. Often product development is carried out in a test kitchen disconnected from operational teams. Designers may not realise that, at scale, certain standards add a level of unnecessary complexity and waste. As a result, manufacturers may agree specifications with retailers that are not operationally ideal. Agreements can get close to the boundaries of what is practically possible.
Connection and conversation Manufacturers Are product development teams
connected to operations so they have clarity on the constraints of the business, knowing which features are likely to cause surplus or waste issues? Can you have data-led, open discussions with retailers when setting specifications? Retailers Are you asking questions of manufacturers about which features add cost and drive product into the bin? Do customers care which way up a pepper is placed? Do sausage rolls need to be an exact width and length to the millimetre? Is the colour range agreed on loaves of bread unnecessarily tight? Use data to get clear on what customers notice and appreciate, so you can challenge assumptions about specifications. Do long-term agreements with suppliers, set thoughtful targets for waste reduction and agree how to invest to reduce waste, for instance by updating machinery?
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