What LightBlue Is All About
LightBlue is a for-profit social enterprise that’s all about reconciling sustainability with business excellence. Over the past eight years, it has developed unique skills, technologies, and methodologies to minimize food waste. The team has run over 45 projects for big names like Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, government agencies such as TCEB, international organizations including GIZ and Michelin Guide Thailand, plus business and culinary schools like Republic Polytechnic Singapore and ESCP Europe, and restaurant groups like Cofoco across eight countries. Simply put, LightBlue designs food waste programs for international development agencies and offers expert auditing, consulting, and capacity-building services to organizations wanting to integrate circular business models into their operations.
The Main Benefit: Cutting Food Waste and Costs
Food waste is a huge problem, and LightBlue tackles it head-on with smart tech and hands-on consulting. Here are some eye-opening facts:
- One-third of all food purchased ends up in the bin.
- Kitchens produce 3 to 5 times more food waste than expected.
- Up to 14% of food revenue is lost to waste.
- Clients have cut food waste by up to 45%.
- Return on investment can be as high as 12.8 times.
Solutions That Make a Difference
LightBlue offers a range of solutions designed to fit busy kitchens and diverse operations. Their FIT tech tracks food waste in real-time, helping cut costs and see immediate results. Consulting services fix waste at the source with tailored strategies, while online courses empower professionals, changemakers, and curious minds to master food waste prevention. Plus, their certification program—the globally recognized PLEDGE on Food Waste—gives businesses the credibility to lead change and boost their reputation.
Case Studies That Speak Volumes
Real-world success stories show how LightBlue’s approach works across the board. For example, hotel owners have discovered financial opportunities by tackling food waste head-on. Businesses across Asia benefit from fast, practical guides on food-waste rules. Events like the Global Revenue Forum 2025 have earned zero food waste to landfill certification, and places like Magic Cristal Park have achieved gold in food waste prevention. These case studies prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
How LightBlue Stands Out
What makes LightBlue different? It’s the combination of smart technology with hands-on consulting and training. They don’t just track data—they help teams understand it, act on it, and build habits that stick. Their solutions work in all types of kitchens, from hotels and restaurants to resorts, canteens, and even cruise ships, spanning over 30 countries. The setup and onboarding are always tailored to fit the reality of each client, making the impact measurable and meaningful.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by reducing food waste, LightBlue helps improve food security.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – promoting sustainable food management.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – cutting food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – boosting margins and operational efficiency.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with international organizations and businesses worldwide.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Food Waste Management
Food waste is costing businesses more than they realize, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With LightBlue’s affordable, scalable solutions powered by real-time data, kitchens can track, reduce, and save without the guesswork. The combination of technology, consulting, learning, and certification creates a comprehensive approach that’s proven to work. As more hospitality leaders join the movement, sustainability becomes not just a goal but a reality that sticks.
