# Upscaling Waste Restaurants introduce consumers to a waste-free lifestyle with upscale experiences. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Nov 27, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upscaling-waste ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Upscaling Waste trend? **Upscaling Waste:** As concerns about food scarcity rise, more and more consumers are becoming conscious of waste. Dining establishments that follow a zero-waste ethos are putting just as much effort into providing a memorable experience as they are in creating re-purposed menu items. This approach not only transforms people's opinions about waste; it also encourages more mainstream attention to the cause. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 17, 2014 to Aug 26, 2016 - Published: Nov 27, 2015 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upscaling Waste trend ### Zero-Waste Ethos Restaurants and catering companies are placing emphasis on sustainability and reducing waste through the creation of unique dining experience and catering services, such as upcycling food scraps and serving vegetables produced by local farmers. ### Initiatives on Food Waste Reduction Companies are starting initiatives on food waste reduction, incorporating waste-reducing methods, such as allotting leftover food scraps to greenhouse systems, growing vegetable gardens, and using kitchen condiments made up of leftover greens. ### Urban Gardening Urban gardening programs implemented by companies such as hotels and restaurants allow them to grow organic produce, reduce food waste, and be more environmentally conscious. ## What the Upscaling Waste trend means for industry ### For Restaurant Industry The restaurant industry can continue to adopt and innovate unique approaches to food sustainability, such as those focusing on upcycling food scraps and creating sustainable yet memorable dining experiences for consumers. ### For Catering Industry Catering companies can pave the way towards zero-waste methodology in catering for social occasions and big groups by incorporating sustainable foods and composting and recycling leftovers. ### For Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry can reduce food waste by implementing initiatives such as installing hotel gardening programs and creating a more rigorous restaurant policy on tracking and reducing waste. ## Workshop question What is the most wasteful — whether literal or figurative — aspect of your brand's offering? How could you turn that waste into a positive experience for your consumer? ## Trend signals for Upscaling Waste Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upscaling Waste trend 7 featured examples from Jul 17, 2014 to Aug 26, 2016. - [Food Scrap Dining](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvage-supperclub): The Salvage Supperclub Initiative Serves Food From Dumpsters in a 6 Course Meal (Category: Eco) Implication: Hotels and restaurants can adopt sustainable practices and innovative initiatives to target eco-conscious and adventurous diners looking for unique dining experiences. - [Sustainable Urban Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/progressive-farming): This Restaurant Champions Progressive Farming and Eco-Friendly Dining (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Develop eco-friendly practices and technologies that enable restaurants to operate sustainably and efficiently. - [Elegant Food Rescue Eateries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instock-restaurant): Instock Restaurant Prepares Meals with Grocery Store Leftovers (Category: Eco) Implication: Grocery retailers can leverage the trend of food waste reduction to develop partnerships and initiatives that address the issue and minimize waste in their supply chain. - [Hotel Gardening Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-gardening): 'AccorHotels' is Growing Its Own Produce in Order to Reduce Food Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: Hotels and hospitality companies can implement hotel gardening programs and sustainable menus to reduce food waste and promote sustainability. - [Waste-Eliminating Catering](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chive-sustainable-event-design): The Chive Sustainable Event Design Company Focuses on Green Eats (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The catering industry can incorporate zero waste practices and sustainable food sourcing to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly event options. - [Food Scrap Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitchen-condiment): Copenhagen's Amass Makes a Unique Kitchen Condiment with Leftover Greens (Category: Eco) Implication: Restaurants can explore innovative ways to reduce food waste, create plant-based condiments, and adopt sustainable practices. - [Waste-Free Diner Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/out-of-stale-bread): This Pop-Up Restaurnt Makes Gourmet Dishes Out of Stale Bread (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants are finding innovative ways to reduce food waste and adopt sustainable practices, providing opportunities for new business models and ways to create unique and novel m… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)