The break with perfection and waste
In our “Future Products” series, we focus on new food ideas and concepts that pick up on trends and think one step ahead. A future product doesn’t have to be a completely new product – it can also be a concept that rethinks existing systems. And that’s exactly what we do with our Broke Brothers – in the spirit of circular food approach and the avoidance of food waste we breathe new life into broken goods.
According to BMLEH Germany produces a total of approx. 10.8 million tons of food waste per year, of which around 15% is generated in processing/manufacturing (i.e. ~1.6 million tons), where breakage, faulty batches and side streams play a role. Other studies and industry reports emphasize that broken goods and rejects are a relevant cost block – including disposal and logistics costs – the specific figure varies depending on the study. Generally speaking, food waste has a massive impact – socially, ecologically and economically. How the UNEP reported that 8-10% of global greenhouse emissions are attributable to food that is produced but not consumed.
The concept
Many manufacturers are sitting on goods that are of impeccable quality but are not allowed on the market for optical or logistical reasons – broken pieces, B/C goods, overproduction. With Broke Brothers, we are looking at uncomplicated ways to bring these goods back into circulation.
In the first scenario, the companies supply us with rejects in a format that is practical for them. In return, they receive a minimum compensation so that the cooperation remains economically viable. This makes food rescue not just a moral model, but a realistic one. After the takeover, the goods are repackaged by partners such as social workshops or specialized co-packers – under our Broke Brothers branding.
In the second scenario, manufacturers could even pack and ship the B/C goods themselves directly under our brand. This would make the path from waste to the brand as efficient as possible and could be seamlessly integrated into existing logistics processes – a real industry-ready solution to food waste.
The system
The rescued food is sold at greatly reduced prices under the Broke Brothers brand. The look is honest and direct: Imperfection meets quality. The products are packaged in simple mono plastic bags to ensure a uniform look. Consumers get high-quality goods at an entry-level price; at the same time, large quantities of edible food are saved from destruction. This is how we combine sustainable thinking with pragmatic suitability for everyday use – and make saving food waste suitable for the masses.
Broke Brothers is conceived as a non-profit limited company (gGmbH). We see ourselves as an initiator, licensor and platform – supported by the industry and for the industry. All proceeds will flow directly into the maintenance and expansion of the initiative, into rescue projects and into the development of long-term structures. This would enable us to establish a permanently functioning system that channels industrial rejects in a meaningful way and makes a real difference – both economically and ecologically.
Discover even more exciting zero-waste projects in the magazine now!
