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Divert, a company focused on circular economy solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with United States Cold Storage (USCS) aimed at transforming unsold and non-donatable food and beverage products into renewable energy and soil amendments.

This collaboration addresses the growing challenges of food waste in the supply chain while enhancing sustainability efforts within the cold storage sector.

The initiative will commence at USCS facilities in California, where unsold food products will be transported to Divert’s Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock.

Using proprietary depackaging and anaerobic digestion technologies, Divert will convert this waste into carbon-negative renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil amendments, effectively preventing these materials from contributing to landfill emissions.

Process overview

1. Collection of unsold products

   • USCS will identify and collect food and beverage items that cannot be sold or donated, including items past their sell-by dates or surplus inventory.

     
     

2. Transportation to Divert’s facility

   • The collected products will be transported to Divert’s facility in Turlock, equipped with specialised technology for efficient processing.

     
     

3. Depackaging

   • At the facility, depackaging separates edible food from packaging materials like plastics and metals using proprietary technology.

     
     

4. Anaerobic digestion

   • The edible components undergo anaerobic digestion, a biological process that produces biogas rich in methane, which can be converted into renewable energy.

     
     

5. Production of soil amendments

   • Remaining organic material is processed into nutrient-rich soil amendments for agricultural use, enhancing soil fertility.

     
     

6. Energy generation

   • The biogas generated can be used to produce electricity or heat, contributing to renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

     
     

7. Compliance and reporting

   • The programme supports compliance with California’s Senate Bill 1383, which mandates organic waste diversion from landfills. Divert provides data to help USCS track waste management efforts and sustainability impact.

Andrew Johnston, vice president and general manager of industrials at Divert, highlighted the potential impact of this partnership. “Our collaboration with USCS demonstrates how the cold storage industry can turn a challenge into a value-generating solution – meeting compliance requirements, reducing emissions, and unlocking positive ESG and business outcomes,” he said.

Sara Cook, sustainable development manager at USCS, added: “This collaboration represents a meaningful step in advancing our sustainability objectives by reducing environmental impact, strengthening compliance and driving greater efficiencies across our operations”.

The partnership is particularly timely as California's Senate Bill 1383 mandates the diversion of organic waste from landfills and encourages the use of anaerobic digestion technologies. By aligning their operations with these regulations, USCS can enhance its resource management strategies while contributing to state-wide sustainability efforts.

Divert’s model not only addresses food waste but also provides a pathway for food and beverage manufacturers and logistics providers to improve their sustainability profiles. The company’s approach integrates data-driven solutions to minimise waste and maximise resource recovery, benefiting both the environment and business operations.