IoT in Action: Misfits Market's Climate Action through Food Waste Reduction
Technology Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy - Intrusion Detection
Applicable Industries
- Agriculture
- Packaging
Applicable Functions
- Procurement
Use Cases
- Agriculture Disease & Pest Management
- Predictive Waste Reduction
About The Customer
Misfits Market's customers are environmentally conscious individuals who are interested in putting their dollars toward better outcomes for the environment. However, they often struggle to navigate the food industry and its many different standards. Misfits Market helps these customers by purchasing items that would otherwise be wasted at a lower cost from suppliers, and passing that cost savings onto the customers. The company also curates a selection of items that customers can trust are having a positive impact on the climate, and educates them about the carbon emissions or water savings associated with the items they offer.
The Challenge
Misfits Market, an online grocer, is committed to making high-quality food more affordable and reducing food waste. The company is aware that 35% of food produced in the United States is wasted, contributing to a carbon footprint larger than that of the global airline industry. The challenge lies in sourcing and selling products that align with Misfits Market’s mission to reduce climate impact. This includes buying 'off specification' produce that is rejected by standard grocers for cosmetic reasons, such as size or discoloration, and selling products that are at risk of not finding a home due to reasons like nearing their expiration date or misprinted packaging. The company also aims to source products that promote better food systems, such as items with upcycled ingredients or those produced using regenerative agriculture.
The Solution
Misfits Market has developed a strategy to reduce food waste and emissions associated with it by creating a market for 'off specification' produce. The company works directly with farmers to buy this produce, which is often rejected by standard grocers for cosmetic reasons. Beyond produce, Misfits Market also focuses on offering products that lead to better outcomes, including packaged goods that are at risk of not finding a home due to reasons such as being too close to their expiration date or misprinted packaging. The company also sources products that promote better food systems, such as items with upcycled ingredients or items produced using regenerative agriculture. Additionally, Misfits Market invests time in optimizing its last mile routing and minimizing packaging to further reduce its environmental impact.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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