New smart bins that monitor and inform chefs on which types of food are being wasted the most have been launched in order to cut down on food waste.
The bins, named Winnow Vision, use a camera and smart scales to record which food items are being disposed of.
This is then used to help commercial kitchens to plan ahead and reduce the amount they purchase and cook.
In total, 1.9 million tonnes of food and drink are wasted by the food industry in the UK alone, and it is estimated that over half of this is avoidable, according to figures from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap).
The AI-powered bins have already been tested in a number of commercial kitchens, including 23 Ikea restaurants.
During this initial testing period, the bins have been learning to recognise which foods are being thrown away, with some assistance from kitchen staff to identify items from the menu.
Tackling food waste on a global scale
Marc Zornes, chief executive of Winnow, said: "Food waste is a global issue, and one that kitchens around the world are struggling with.
"Without visibility into what is being wasted, kitchens are wasting far more food than they think.
"By understanding and reporting food waste's very real costs, both to the bottom line and the environment, Winnow Vision empowers chefs to take action.
"Using technology that learns and improves with each use, Winnow Vision has the ability to tackle food waste on a global scale."
The company have already installed 75 bins in the UK, and are planning to roll out hundreds more as the year progresses.
Lorena Lourido, Ikea UK's and Ireland's country food manager, also added: "At Ikea, we want to inspire and enable the many people to change their behaviour when it comes to food waste, starting in our own operations.
"Winnow Vision has now been installed across 23 Ikea UK and Ireland stores, and the feedback from the Ikea food teams running our restaurant kitchens has been extremely positive so far."
