Kobe expands food loss reduction via smart sharing lockers

New initiatives to combat food loss are expanding in Kobe, Japan, through the deployment of smart food-sharing lockers.

In collaboration with the food-sharing app TABETE, SPACER has launched a service at four Hanshin Electric Railway stations: Fukae, Aoki, Oishi, and Nishinada. This system allows users to purchase surplus food from local restaurants and bakeries via the app and collect it from refrigerated smart lockers at the stations. SPACER manages the logistics by picking up items from stores and delivering them to the station lockers.

Additionally, Nishimura Coffee has introduced the ‘Wakeatte’ refrigerated locker system at its Mikage location. This project, supported by Kobe City’s food loss reduction subsidies, enables customers to purchase discounted food items through an app for pickup within 30 minutes. These efforts aim to connect local businesses with consumers while reducing the amount of edible food sent to waste.