In 2027, Amazon plans to install on-site food waste conversion technology in Whole Foods stores. This system will turn fruit and vegetable scraps from the stores into a nutrient-rich ingredient for chicken feed, used by the supermarket’s private-label egg suppliers.
Amazon will utilize Mill Commercial devices, which function similarly to home waste disposal units but on a larger scale. These machines will grind and dehydrate food scraps, creating dry, odorless food grounds. They also come equipped with AI to monitor food waste in real time. This means they can track what gets thrown away, how much, and find the best ways to repurpose those scraps. The goal is to reduce waste, lower hauling costs, and decrease carbon emissions linked to food waste management.
Jason Buechel, VP of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores and CEO of Whole Foods Market, expressed enthusiasm about the project. He stated that this partnership with Mill is groundbreaking, allowing them to cut down on waste and support a more sustainable supply chain. Thomas Selby from the Amazon Climate Pledge Fund echoed his excitement, noting that they’ve invested in Mill to help roll out this technology in Whole Foods and elsewhere.
Other retailers have launched their own food waste reduction initiatives as well. For example:
– In October 2023, Price Chopper/Market32 expanded its food waste efforts with Invafresh.
– In September 2024, meal kit service Hello Fresh reported repurposing nearly 4 million pounds of food waste into compost and animal feed.
– In February 2025, Giant Food processed about 80 million pounds of unsold food as part of its waste prevention program.
– In September 2025, Ikea partnered with Vanguard Renewables to divert food waste from its restaurants.
These efforts highlight a growing trend among retailers to tackle food waste not just for cost savings but also for environmental reasons. According to a recent survey by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, retailers believe that reducing food waste can significantly enhance their brand reputation while also addressing climate change issues.
Overall, Amazon’s collaboration with Mill could set a new standard in the fight against food waste, paving the way for other stores to adopt similar technologies. This movement towards sustainability is not just good for business; it’s also a win for communities and the planet.
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Amazon,Amazon Climate Pledge Fund,giant food,Hello Fresh,IKEA,invafresh,Mill,Mill Commercial,Price Chopper/Market 32,Vanguard Renewables,Whole Foods Market
