Orbisk

Netherland’s Orbisk, formerly Zero Food Waste, offers an AI-based food waste monitoring system to monitor and reduce food waste, primarily for the hospitality sector (including foodservice operators, restaurants, and hotels). The system collects data on food being thrown away using cameras mounted on top of waste bins and a scale to weigh the amount of food being discarded. 

Using AI, Orbisk identifies and analyzes the type of food being thrown. The system also uses algorithms, with the assistance of data company, Sama, to provide insights on waste levels and predict potential food waste levels, associated CO2 emissions, and how they can be reduced. This system can be used during both pre-preparation (while cooking) and post-preparation (leftovers in dishes after food has been consumed) stages. 

The company brought its food waste monitoring system to market within two years of being established. In August 2020, the company was selected out of 378 applicants for the “Food Fight'' project organized by the EuroStars program, to form an international consortium, with two other selected companies: Aivero (3D video streaming company) and Eaternity (food labeling organization) to fight against food waste. 

As of October 2024, Orbisk claimed that it prevented 780,000 kg of food waste, saved ~50% of customers’ food waste, saved EUR 546,000 (~USD 598,000) per year, as well as saving 546 million liters of water from being wasted. The company also reports that it has the capacity to run 200 systems with the potential to 500 when demand comes through. As of October 2024, Orbisk aimed to increase accuracy in predicting potential food waste levels and targets, saving around 100 million kg of food waste per year in professional kitchens by 2025. 

Key customers and partnerships

As of October 2024, Orbisk’s solution was being used by 50 restaurants primarily across Europe. Some of the known customers include Ramada by Wyndham, Accor, Albron, Bilderberg, The Student Hotel, Vermaat, and Appelin. 

In addition, Orbisk secured a partnership with Unilever Food Solutions in November 2020 to support Unilever's goal to cut food waste occurring through activities from the factory to the shelf by half by 2025. 

In March 2024, Orbisk collaborated with Accor Hotels to introduce its food waste system at hundreds of Accor hotels internationally to achieve Accor’s strategic initiative of reducing food waste by 50%.