Since 1915, food waste in the United Kingdom has posed a major environmental and socioeconomic issue. Today, this remains a significant concern, with around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste discarded annually. Reducing this waste is critical for the UK to meet international climate change targets, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with the European Landfill Directive, which requires a reduction in biodegradable waste going to landfill. The UK Government’s “Resources and Waste Strategy,” published in December 2018, outlines policies to minimise waste, promote resource efficiency, and transition towards a circular economy.
Revolutionising kitchens and waste management services
Karma Kitchen is transforming the way commercial kitchens operate by converting industrial sites into shared kitchen units for startups, SMEs, and larger enterprises involved in food preparation, manufacturing, and delivery. In addition to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, they offer comprehensive services such as kitchen porters, community managers, high-quality equipment, and waste management solutions. By doing so, Karma Kitchen lowers the entry barriers for new businesses while helping larger companies operate more efficiently.
To address the challenge of food waste, Karma Kitchen sought a solution that balanced cost and quality. The LFC biodigester emerged as the ideal choice for reducing food waste within their operations.
What is the LFC biodigester?
The LFC biodigester is an on-site, automated machine designed to convert food waste into environmentally safe water, which can then be disposed of through standard wastewater systems. Using aerobic digestion and microorganisms, the biodigester accelerates the natural decomposition process, breaking down food waste into wastewater, which is discharged into the facility’s sewage system. This not only significantly reduces the volume of food waste but also helps to minimise greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional landfill disposal. The LFC biodigester is a practical and sustainable solution for managing food waste in various settings, including commercial kitchens, hospitality venues, and food production facilities, enabling businesses to reduce their environmental impact while efficiently managing waste.
The decision to avoid composting
Composting was not a practical option for Karma Kitchen due to logistical constraints. Their industrial locations lacked the space required for composting and presented challenges such as the need to store food waste overnight and control odours. Furthermore, composting could attract pests such as rats and insects and would require costly third-party waste collection services.
Implementing the LFC biodigester
Karma Kitchen initially installed an LFC-50 biodigester at their Wood Green location, successfully managing food waste. Following this success, they installed an LFC-25 biodigester at the Bermondsey site and another LFC-50 biodigester at the Sydenham location. These biodigesters provide an effective solution to the challenges of food waste by eliminating storage and collection issues. Food waste is processed on-site as it is produced, preventing odours from decomposing waste and reducing the need for external waste management services. By integrating the LFC biodigester into their operations, Karma Kitchen not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to the UK’s broader environmental goals.