A smart-matching platform that redistributes excess food and repurposes non-edible waste.
Socioeconomic challenge
Food waste in Singapore highlights a deepening disparity between the haves and the have-nots. While surplus food is discarded, many families still face hunger. Businesses that throw away surplus food not only contribute to environmental harm but also forgo the chance to support those in need. This waste increases carbon emissions and drains vital resources, further exacerbating environmental challenges.
Purpose and strategy
D2L.sg tackles food waste through its data and tech-powered Food Surplus/Waste Recovery Programme.The platform uses intelligent matching technology to redistribute excess food to needy families by reusing and repurposing non-edible waste through an ecosystem involving collaborations with sustainability-minded individuals and communities, animal feeders, upcyclers and composters.
Central to D2L.sg’s success is its all-in-one solution for food surplus and waste handling. Engaging the company’s service and programmes helps businesses comply with food waste regulations, achieve their ESG goals, and help them with ESG reporting through simplified surplus collection, redistribution, and tracking. This technology-driven approach supports a strong network of D2L.sg Surplus Savers (DSS), enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Impact and innovation
Since 2022, D2L.sg has diverted over 800 tonnes of food surplus and waste. Edible food surplus has benefited more than 10,000 families, vulnerable communities, and animals. Non-edible surplus/waste has helped even more communities of people, animals and plants through reusing and repurposing. The programme also provides impact reports and tailored site assessments, assisting businesses in understanding their waste footprint and developing effective prevention strategies.
In February 2023 alone, D2L.sg recovered 20,867 kg of food, supported 1,002 families, and saved approximately $248,318.
Additionally, D2L.sg has cultivated a community of over 400 dedicated DSSes, including youths, seniors and homemakers. These DSSes play a crucial role in reducing waste while enhancing their lives through community connections and improved well-being.D2L.sg’s commitment to community welfare has been recognised with the Merit Award at the People’s Association’s Community Spirit Awards 2023. By addressing food security and advancing social good, D2L.sg is fostering a more resilient and interconnected Singapore.
Future outlook
D2L.sg’s Food Surplus/Waste Recovery Programme is committed to expanding its reach and impact. In the near term, the organisation is enhancing its services through key partnerships and leveraging data-driven insights to measure and amplify its impact. These initiatives will enable D2L.sg to assist more businesses in managing their food surplus and waste effectively, continuing its mission to keep food surplus/waste out of incinerators and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
D2L.sg envisions a future where public and private entities and people work together, stewarding every resource mindfully, consciously, and respectfully to achieve zero food waste in Singapore.
