E226 ‘AI Driven Solutions to the Global Food Waste Crisis’ with Positive Carbon’s Mark Kirwan

Today’s guest is Mark Kirwan, CEO & Founder at Positive Carbon. In recent years, the issue of food waste has become increasingly critical, with about one-third of all food produced ending up in the bin. However, AI Awards 2025 winner Positive Carbon is changing that narrative with a mission to significantly reduce food waste in the hospitality industry by leveraging artificial intelligence and innovative technology.

Mark gives us insights into how Positive Carbon works primarily with hospitality companies, aiming to eliminate food waste by providing businesses with the tools and insights necessary to manage their food production efficiently. By equipping kitchens with cameras and scales, Positive Carbon allows these businesses to track their waste accurately. Their AI system identifies the waste and provides actionable insights into what is being wasted, when and how it can be stopped. This technology mirrors the systems used by supermarkets, which have successfully reduced food waste to about 1-2%.

Mark explains how at the core of Positive Carbon’s solution is their zero-shot AI technology, which sets it apart from other solutions. Unlike systems requiring extensive input and training, Positive Carbon’s AI is ready to work from day one without staff input or training. This ease of use is vital in the fast-paced kitchen environments, which often suffer from high staff turnover.

Their device, aptly named Scrappy, is a plug-and-play unit that defines convenience. By seamlessly integrating into existing kitchen workflows, Scrappy allows businesses to identify and reduce food waste without additional burdens on their staff.

Mark’s journey into tackling food waste began during his career with supermarkets and food waste projects in Australia. With an extensive background in software engineering and sales, Mark discovered the immense challenge and potential in addressing food waste within the hospitality industry – a domain that often lacks the data granularity supermarkets enjoy. Inspired to bridge this gap, Positive Carbon offers a solution that is not only technologically advanced but also practical for real-world applications.

Mark tells us how the impact of Positive Carbon’s technology has been substantial. Clients have seen reductions of 50 to 90% in food waste within a year of adopting the system, translating into significant financial savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, some hospitals in Ireland have saved around 90,000 euros annually, showcasing the financial and environmental benefits of tackling food waste.

Recognition of Positive Carbon’s contribution to sustainability has been profound having won the Best Application of AI in Sustainability award at the 2025 AI Awards, underlining the importance and effectiveness of their approach.

Looking ahead, Mark is focused on expanding the company’s reach across Ireland, the UK and Germany, with ambitious goals to deploy 10,000 units globally to continue mitigating food waste. Mark emphasises the importance of continuing this journey toward sustainability, drawing attention to the reductions in CO2 emissions achieved so far.

Positive Carbon exemplifies how innovation can lead the charge in sustainability, transforming the hospitality industry and beyond. By providing practical, data-driven solutions, they empower organisations to significantly cut down on waste, offering both economic and environmental benefits.

In conclusion, the call to action is clear: in drawing inspiration from Positive Carbon’s strides, we are reminded of the critical importance of subscribing to platforms that promote sustainability efforts. Supporting such initiatives not only contributes to their success but also propels a broader shift towards a more sustainable future.