Insect-powered food waste management solution for hospitality industry

Howard Smith Wharves and Goterra have unveiled a food waste management initiative with the deployment of Goterra’s technology onsite at the precinct. The solution, powered by insect technology, is designed to help provide sustainable food waste management in the hospitality industry.

CEO of Howard Smith Wharves Luke Fraser said, “Our core sustainability focus is to ensure that waste generated across our venues is separated, segregated and recycled. We currently divert 96% of waste from landfills by utilising 17 different waste streams.

“By bringing Goterra into our precinct, we are adding another innovative solution to waste streams by harnessing the natural power of insects and transforming waste into fertiliser.”

Luke Fraser, CEO Howard Smith Wharves (left) and Justin Frank, Head of Strategy and Communications, Goterra (right).

The modular onsite food waste processing system uses maggot-based robotic systems to unlock organic waste processing and divert food waste from landfill. Suitable for greasy food waste and biodegradable packaging, the black soldier fly larvae can convert food waste into high-value, low-impact protein and fertiliser in just 12 days.

Olympia Yarger, CEO and founder of Goterra, said, “Aligning with Howard Smith Wharves is a natural development in our mission. Engaging with sustainability-centric partners enables us to transform waste streams into regenerative by-products.”

Fraser said: “It’s of global importance that we reduce our footprint and make informed decisions about lasting environmental impacts. In Australia, with our goal of reaching net zero by 2050, we must ensure that sustainability is not just a one-off but business as usual. We have an open-door policy to allow the community to experience our equipment and processes in action to inspire widespread adaptation of similar practices.”

Top image caption: Mat Brazier, Kitchen Manager Howard Smith Wharves.