For the month of December, we highlight the social impact company, Anihan Technologies (AniTech), for our Social Impact Spotlight. AniTech is a sustainability organization that uses sensors and IoT functions to evaluate the spoilage of food in its supply chain process. A fact that we at Global Grassroots Consulting were formerly unaware of, is that one third of food that is cultivated globally, is ultimately wasted due to spoilage. This equates to almost $1 Trillion worth of food that is wasted each year. Imagine what we could do with all of that wasted food! Goodbye World hunger. AniTech is actively combatting against food loss through their organization. Here is how!
AniTech’s System
AniTech works with food companies across the entire supply chain. They implement sensors within their food storage containers/refrigerators that monitor the gases within. Because of these sensors, AniTech is able to identify potential food spoilage ahead of time. This empowers them to remove spoiled food and reduce the spread of rot. Furthermore, their IoT (Internet of Things) systems set in place enable their clients to not only identify potential food spoilage, but schedule the distribution of food that is least fresh. That way the food that is least fresh will be pushed along the supply chain process quicker, ultimately reducing the cost of food loss.
In simple terms, AniTech’s technology enables food companies to track their produces’ freshness and sell what needs to be sold first.
What About Food Waste is a Problem?
From an organizational standpoint, a waste of anything is a waste of money. In the food industry, the food is the product. Since 33% of food is wasted globally through the supply chain process, it means that companies are losing 33% of their products. Food companies must account for this food loss, and therefore raise prices. Higher prices means a decrease in access to food. No wonder fast food companies are so successful – the food is cheap and spoilage is less due to its unnatural qualities. Imagine a World with 0% food loss! We would see lower prices at grocery stores and restaurants. More people would have access to food and less people would starve.
The Origin of AniTech
The team at AniTech saw a major food spoilage issue in their home country of the Philippines. Gillian Santos (CEO), Daniel Paulo Tipan (CTO), Anthony Gerard Santos (Head of R&D) and Danielle Faith Torres (Business Development Executive) all agree that food waste is a major global issue that needs to be addressed. Given their common interest in food waste and their complimentary skills in business and technology, it made perfect sense for the four of them to join forces. AniTech is focused on addressing four key Sustainable Development Goals, set forth by the United Nations (UNSDG). These goals are to be met by 2030 globally. These goals include: #2 Zero Hunger, #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, #12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and #17 Partnerships for the Goals. All four leaders of AniTech aim to utilize innovation in a collaborative effort – within AniTech and without – to end World hunger and implore the responsible production/consumption of food globally.
Final Thoughts
AniTech is an amazing company that is tackling real World issues in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Personally speaking, I wouldn’t mind if my grocery bill is lower because companies reduce their food waste with AniTech’s technology. This is a product/service that we should all get behind! Visit their LinkedIn page to learn more.
Contact Gillian Santos or Danielle Torres for further inquiries.