Loofen’s food dryer joins fight against households food waste

As countries grapple with rising food waste, the Loofen joins the roster of food waste dryers to reduce organic waste, right from our kitchens. It is a stylish appliance that wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary interior design magazine, has made its mark not just as a home convenience, but as a beacon for sustainability. Distributed in Japan by ALPACA Co., it recently unveiled an exclusive new “Smoky Gray” color.

The issue of food waste isn’t new, but the scale is alarming. Japan, as of last fiscal year, reported a waste output of 40.95 million tons, making it the eighth-largest contributor globally. Such statistics underscore the urgency of the problem. Yet, while waste reduction is unequivocally vital, individual contributions often waver due to inconvenience or lack of effective tools.

With its innovative drying mechanism, the Loofen effectively reduces the volume of food waste by up to 77%. By extracting moisture, which is a primary cause for odor and insect attraction, the device not only simplifies the waste disposal process but also offers significant environmental benefits. Less moisture means less greenhouse gas emissions when incinerated and less energy needed to.

Why does this matter? Traditional food waste solutions, such as composting, can be labor-intensive and not always feasible for urban dwellers. The Loofen, however, with its patented drying technology and AI-powered electric adjustments, offers a “one-touch” solution. With the machine running, users can add waste anytime, without pre-sorting or excluding materials like bones or plastics.

The global emphasis on sustainability isn’t just about international agreements or corporate initiatives. With waste reduction identified as a key goal in the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), several local Japanese governments are even subsidizing the purchase of food waste processors. Many are offering up to half the cost, making the Loofen an affordable solution for many households.