CASH has been made available to encourage businesses to cut food waste.

Up to £1million is up for grabs, with Zero Waste Scotland calling for expressions of interest from small and medium-sized firms (SMEs).

It is hoped the initiative will help the Scottish Government achieve its target of reducing food waste by 33 per cent by 2025.

The funding is supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government.

Estimates suggest the amount of food which could have been eaten but instead is thrown away by food service outlets is equivalent to one in six meals.

Grants are available for projects that drive forward innovative, cost-effective approaches to keeping food-based products in high value use or to reducing waste in the food supply chain.

Iain Gulland, Zero Waste Scotland chief executive, said: “Cutting down on food waste isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too.

“We know there is huge economic potential for businesses with ideas to reduce food waste. We hope that, by highlighting this funding, we will encourage more SMEs to come forward with innovative ideas to cut waste and create new business opportunities.

“When it comes to food waste, there is no trade-off between doing the right thing for the climate and doing the right thing for your business.”

For more information or to apply, go online at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk.