Insinkerator seeks to root out waste with better management

Conversation with industry leaders seeks to stem the growing problem of waste in the GCC

Dubai,UAE[January 25, 2015] - InSinkErator, a business unit ofEmerson (NYSE: EMR) the inventor and the world’s largest manufacturer of food waste disposers and instant hot water dispensers for home and commercial use, launched a high-level conversation on food waste to tampdown onthe GCC’s growing landfills. The roundtablesaw professionals in architecture, hospitality and waste management call for greater awareness among the public and all stakeholders, and raised the need for federal regulations in the Emirates.

The attendees discussed a number of issues around waste management, shared valuable market insight and suggested sustainable solutions that can tackle the impact of food wastage from an environmental and economical perspective across the UAE and the rest of the GCC.

During the sessionMohamed Karam, Sr. Business Development Manager, Middle East and Africafor InSinkEratorsaid,“At the same time that GCC countries are investing in farmland overseas,they stand out among the world's top generators of food waste. In Dubai alone, nearly 38 per cent of food is wasted every day, which goes up to 55 per cent during Ramadan.

He added, “There are sustainable solutions that can reduce the amount of food waste that goes to landfills and contributesto global warming.We can all make a real contribution to tackling climate change and living more sustainably by wasting less. TheInSinkErator Food Waste Disposer is an environmentally responsible alternative to sending food waste to landfills, andcan reduce domestic kitchen waste around 30 percent. However changes in behavior of consumers should go hand in hand with public sector intervention”.

Joe Ferrara, Vice PresidentInternational at InSinkerator,contributed to the roundtable with best practices and proactive solutions that had a positive impact on food waste management in the United States. Ferrara also highlighted the need to change perceptions, raise the level of environmental awareness, and implement cost effective solutions across the globe.

“When the world’s first food waste disposer was manufactured by InSinkErator decades ago, food waste management was not making headlines; the main reason for installing one in your kitchen was hygiene. But things have changed. Everything matures, and there is a stronger need for action now more than ever before.  At Emerson, we don’t just develop sustainable product solutions; we constantly innovate, educate, and encourage public engagement. Collaboration among stakeholders is also key in realizing a sustainable future for humanity.”

The roundtable concluded with a recommendation for a four-fold approach to the problem: information, communication, education and prevention.These four key drivers have enormous potential to serve as an effective solution to the growing problem of waste disposal.