Food waste during Ramadan has increased from 2.7 kg to 4.5 kg per person per day
Farnek, a leading smart and green facilities management (FM) company, based in the United Arab Emirates, says it has taken significant steps in food waste management, composting over 290 tonnes in four years at its staff accommodation, Farnek Village in Dubai.
In a press statement, Farnek says that the initiative aims to reduce food waste and support the United Arab Emirates’ net-zero strategy.
It adds that food waste during Ramadan has increased from 2.7 kg to 4.5 kg per person per day, mainly due to excessive food prepared for Iftar and Suhour, the meals at the end of the fast and before the fast begins, respectively.
The statement adds that the cost of this wasted food is estimated at approximately USD 1.1 billion annually, making the UAE the fourth highest country in the world per capita for discarded food.
It adds that to address this, Farnek commissioned a food composter in 2021 with a 125 kg capacity. The machine processes organic waste such as rice, bread, eggshells, meat, and vegetable peelings, reducing waste volume by up to 90 pc and producing 12-25 kg of fertiliser per cycle.
Farnek says that the food waste in landfills emits methane gas, which is significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide. Composting reduces carbon emissions and eliminates food disposal costs.
Farnek reports that serving 5,000 staff at Farnek Village saves up to 400 kg of carbon and diverts 200 kg of food waste daily.
According to the statement, Farnek advises other organisations on food waste management, including hotels, commercial offices, and large-scale events.
Muna Al Nahdi
It adds that Farnek supports telecom company du in diverting 50 kg of food waste daily from its Dubai HQ and recently helped Zayed Sports City divert 7.6 tonnes of organic waste over four days during a Coldplay concert.
The statement adds that Farnek is also addressing broader waste management challenges through its sister company Hitek. The AI-driven Wastek platform conducts waste audits, develops recycling programmes, ensures regulatory compliance, and monitors waste diversion performance through data collection.
“Food waste is always a topic of conversation during Ramadan and for good reason, but it is issue year-round. It is estimated that in the UAE 38 pc of prepared food is thrown out annually. Unfortunately, that percentage increases by 25 pc during Ramadan compared to other months,” says Muna Al Nahdi, Director, Sustainability & Consultancy, Farnek.
“Whilst serving meals to the 5,000 staff we have based at Farnek Village, we are also saving up to 400 kg of carbon and around 200 kilos of food waste every day,” Nahdi added.
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