Smart Net-Zero

July 31, 2025 | New Security Beat (Wilson Center’s Environmental Change and Security Program blog) |

Japan and China are advancing the conversion of food waste into animal feed to cut methane emissions and reliance on imported grain. Japan’s Ecofeed program, launched in 2005, now processes over 300,000 tons annually—12% of domestic feed—after successfully diverting much of its manufacturing and wholesale waste under a certified quality system. China, which banned food waste feeding during the African Swine Fever crisis, is reviving the practice through 20 pilot projects under its 2024 Anti-Food Waste Law. In contrast, U.S. adoption remains limited by strict regulations and low incentives, despite studies showing treated food waste feed reduces GHG emissions by 60%. Innovative alternatives, such as using black soldier fly larvae to recycle mixed food waste into FDA-approved feed, are also gaining traction. These models demonstrate the economic and environmental potential of circular food systems.