FUNDING has been made available to help encourage Scottish businesses aiming to cut food waste.
Up to £1 million in support has been offered as part of a bid to cut waste in Scotland.
Zero Waste Scotland called for expressions of interest from small and medium-sized businesses at the close of a circular economy hotspot event in Glasgow this week.
The organisation is working to help the Scottish Government achieve its target of reducing food waste by 33% by 2025.
The funding is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Scottish Government.
Estimates suggest the amount of food which could have been eaten but instead is thrown away by food service outlets is equivalent to one in six meals.
Grants of up to £1 million are available for projects that will drive forward innovative, transformational, cost-effective and collaborative approaches to keeping food-based products in high-value use, or to reducing waste in the food supply chain.
Iain Gulland, Zero Waste Scotland chief executive, said: “Cutting down on food waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business, too.
“The Circular Economy Hotspot has showcased some of Scotland’s best circular economy businesses to a global audience and we know there is huge economic potential for businesses with ideas to reduce food waste.
“We hope that by highlighting this funding we will encourage more SMEs to come forward with innovative ideas to cut waste and create new business opportunities.
“When it comes to food waste, there is no trade-off between doing the right thing for the climate and doing the right thing for your business.”
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