Engage in behaviour change and industry training.

Our ENGAGE research program was completed in early 2025. Over 7 years, ENGAGE led Australia’s most comprehensive research in consumer food waste behaviours. A key highlight was the four-year study that identified the most common food waste behaviours in Australian homes, pinpointed target households and uncovered the most effective messaging for reducing food waste – this then informed The Great Unwaste nationwide consumer behaviour change campaign. ENGAGE also helped foster future food waste leaders, supporting 35 PhD and Master’s students through the Future Leaders Program. 

 

 

Our Research

Completed Program
Activities

  • Completed 13 research projects
  • Developed household and business behaviour change resources and a knowledge base that underpins The Great Unwaste campaign
  • Identified and tested household food waste interventions
  • Supported PhD and Master’s students through the Future Leaders Program

Projected
Impact

13

research projects completed

35

PhD & Masters Students Supported thorough the Future Leaders Program

Case Studies

Top interventions for household food waste reduction

A four-year study including stakeholder engagement identified the evidence-based priorities to focus on including the most common food waste behaviours in Australian homes that resulted in confirmed food waste reduction.

“We know Australians don’t want to waste food and that they welcome more support on how to do this effectively. This research highlights the important role community-based interventions play in combatting household food waste and provides practical insights into the best approaches to do this,” say lead research Dr Gamithri Karunasena.

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Completed Research Projects

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ACCREDITATION DECISION TOOL FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE BUSINESSES

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CULTIVATING THE CAPACITY OF FOOD BUSINESSES TO REDUCE AND TRANSFORM FOOD WASTE – PHASE ONE

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SIMULATING HOUSEHOLD BEHAVIOURS TO EVALUATE FOOD WASTE INTERVENTIONS

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FOOD WASTE POLICY WORKSHOP

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EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIORITY HOUSEHOLD FOOD WASTE REDUCTION INTERVENTIONS

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FIGHT FOOD WASTE – ‘IT’S EASY AS’

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SOCIAL MEDIA: THE REAL IMPACT ON FOOD WASTE REDUCTION BEYOND THE SWIPE OR THE CLICK

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SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE

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The Great Unwaste

Join the Leftovers Revolution: Australia invited to celebrate first national day dedicated to ‘unwasting’ food

September 16, 2025
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Support for campaign could put $2500 back in the pocket of every Australian family when they need it most

April 11, 2025
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Australian households embracing new habits to cut down on the 7.7 million meals wasted every day  

March 20, 2025
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Explore

Reduce Program.

Explore the ways reducing waste can help create a more efficient economy while being beneficial to the ecosystem.

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Transform Program.

Find out more about the impacts of transforming waste into valuable product, and how your business can benefit.

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Research with us.

We have a world leading Cooperative Research Centre. As global thought leaders, we are always looking for the next generation of future leaders.

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