Food waste is everywhere, especially in the places we no longer notice.
Food Waste Matters is a podcast where we have conversations with businesses, industry leaders, and researchers who are fighting against food waste. Our guests share real strategies for turning excess into success. Tune in to learn how your surplus can be an opportunity instead of a loss, benefiting both your business and the environment. Subscribe now to take action and make the most of our resources for the planet, the people, and the profit.
Produced by Honey & Fox and supported by End Food Waste Australia.
In this episode, we dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the ocean's potential to regenerate food systems and tackle food waste. We speak with Pia Winberg, the visionary behind Venus Shell Systems, a company transforming nutrient waste into valuable food and agricultural products using seaweed.
Pia takes us on a journey that started with planetary systems theory and ended up in large-scale seaweed cultivation. Venus Shell Systems captures nitrogen and other nutrients from food industry emissions—like those from wheat processing—and uses seaweed to convert them into high-protein, mineral-rich ingredients. These seaweed products not only reduce coastal pollution but also enhance health and sustainability in our diets.
The conversation explores how seaweed farming in controlled coastal pools can yield zero-waste, protein-rich biomass while reoxygenating water and protecting marine ecosystems. Pia explains the science behind it, including how one kilo of seaweed can absorb 50g of nitrogen and 1.5kg of carbon dioxide—while producing just as much oxygen.
They also discuss the challenges of communicating complex environmental benefits in a soundbite-driven world and why integrating regeneration into mainstream food systems—like pasta with 10% seaweed—could free up a million hectares of land in Australia alone.
🌿 Seaweed isn’t just sushi anymore—it’s a climate solution hiding in plain sight.
As always, if you have questions, feedback, or a story about how you’re reducing food waste, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email at foodwastematters@honeyandfox.com.au (mailto:foodwastematters@honeyandfox.com.au). And if you want to check out all our previous head to your favourite podcast channel and search for Food Waste Matters.
More about Pia:
The passionate founder of Venus Shell Systems, Pia has been working across both the marine industry and academia for the past 15 years and has a background in marine systems ecology. Her career has spanned both academic research and industry innovation in the fields of coastal and estuarine ecology, fisheries and sustainable aquaculture systems. Pia’s main research is in marine food production systems that are sustainably integrated with the coastal and marine environment and, as such, her published research efforts span aquaculture and sustainable estuarine systems.
Links
https://www.venusshellsystems.com.au/ (https://www.venusshellsystems.com.au/)
https://www.phycohealth.com (https://www.phycohealth.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqiWZ8xPXmfvM6P5d0qNZuc-zTV1AgfFLab5OAVWzxASJZGRE9u)
https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/ (https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/)
https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/ (https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/)
https://endfoodwaste.com.au/ (https://endfoodwaste.com.au/)
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/phycohealth/ (https://www.instagram.com/phycohealth/)
https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/)
https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/ (https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/)
https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/ (https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/)
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/Pia-Winberg-100011633761009/ (https://www.facebook.com/p/Pia-Winberg-100011633761009/)
https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/ (https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/)
https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/ (https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/)
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-winberg-37049930/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-winberg-37049930/)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd (https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus (https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus)
30 Oct 2025
S3E19 Full Circle Beef: Making Every Part Count
In this episode of Food Waste Matters, Robert Mackenzie, Director of Macka’s Australian Black Angus, joins Jayne Gallagher to talk about the bold sustainability moves behind their carbon-neutral beef operation — and how producers, chefs, and consumers can work together to cut waste across the food chain.
Robert shares how his family has built a sixth-generation beef business rooted in quality, integrity, and innovation. From using every part of the animal to creating new value-added products like Angus beef dumplings and award-winning pies, his story shows how sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Together, they explore practical ways to reduce waste at every step — from soil to steak — and why knowing your supplier (and their story) might be the key to building a more sustainable food future.
Key Moments
04:25 The Mackenzie family story – six generations of beef and a commitment to doing it right
07:45 Where food waste occurs in the red meat industry and how full carcass utilisation is changing that
10:12 Working with MLA and chefs to showcase secondary cuts and reduce waste in food service
12:40 Turning “waste” into value – from sausages to Angus beef dumplings and gold-medal pies
15:10 Why sustainability can equal profitability
18:30 Building a brand and a legacy grounded in community, quality, and care
22:15 One practical step: build relationships across your supply chain and understand your product’s story
25:10 Final message: Know where your product comes from, be proud of it, and share its story
Robert Mackenzie
Director, Macka’s Australian Black Angus
Robert Mackenzie is the director of Macka's Australian Black Angus, a family-owned and innovative paddock-to-plate Angus Beef cattle business based in Gloucester, NSW. Macka's currently run 600 seedstock breeders and 3500 commercial cows, which are utilised for breeding consistent high-performance cattle that can efficiently turn grass into beef.
Macka's have now achieved carbon neutrality within their pastoral operation without relying on offsets or large-scale tree planting. With a long-term vision, Robert along with his family and his team strive to enhance carbon levels further and pave the way for a more productive and sustainable future.
Links:
https://mackasblackangus.com.au/ (https://mackasblackangus.com.au/)
https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/ (https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/)
https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/ (https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/)
https://endfoodwaste.com.au/ (https://endfoodwaste.com.au/)
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mackasangus/ (https://www.instagram.com/mackasangus/)
https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/)
https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/ (https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/)
https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/ (https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/)
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MackasAngus
https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/ (https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/)
https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/ (https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/)
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mackas-australian-black-angus-beef/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mackas-australian-black-angus-beef/)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd (https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus (https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus)
14 Oct 2025
S3E18 From Waste to Raw Material: Rethinking Seafood Bioproducts
In this episode of Food Waste Matters, Daniel Abrahams from the Marine Bioproducts CRC uncovers the enormous untapped value sitting in Australia’s seafood and seaweed bioproducts. With only half of our marine biomass currently being used, billions of dollars in potential products - from collagen and Omega-3 oils to skincare ingredients and biofertilisers - are being overlooked.
Daniel shares how innovation is shifting from disposal to utilisation, the commercial models making it viable, and why Iceland’s 100% fish model offers inspiration (not imitation) for Australia. He also explores the role of First Nations partnerships, the importance of designing for demand, and the future of high-value marine products made from what we currently throw away.
04:41 Defining Marine Bioproducts and Market Opportunities
09:01 Insights from Marine Bio Connect 2025
12:08 Lessons from Iceland's 100% Fish Approach
15:05 Challenges and Opportunities in the Australian Context
20:03 First Nations Collaboration and New Skincare Product Launch
24:14 Advice for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Mr Daniel E. Abrahams FCPAChief Executive Officer
Daniel is a highly experienced executive with leadership, finance, strategy, execution, risk management and governance credentials across a wide variety of industries. He has a track record of driving profitable business performance, innovation, and long-term growth plans, with a strong focus on building high performance teams and effective relationships with stakeholders. Daniel has extensive capital raising experience in crowd-funding, private equity and capital markets. He has worked in SME, start-up to scale-up and ASX listed entities.
Links:
https://mbcrc.com/ (https://mbcrc.com/)
Lanje SkinCare (https://www.phycohealth.com/collections/lanje-skincare-range?utm_source=google&utm_medium=blend&utm_campaign=29180&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_agid=158322991825&utm_term=&creative=691016889317&device=c&placement=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21017289786&gbraid=0AAAAAC-EZtXRpteLLikg38tP32P5kJJaK&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI58na-7GikAMVF6dmAh3tMyHrEAAYASAAEgKMCPD_BwE)
https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/ (https://www.honeyandfox.com.au/)
https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/ (https://thegreatunwaste.com.au/)
https://endfoodwaste.com.au/ (https://endfoodwaste.com.au/)
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/marinebioproductscrc/ (https://www.instagram.com/marinebioproductscrc/)
https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/foodwastematters_podcast/)
https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/ (https://www.instagram.com/honey_and_fox/)
https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.instagram.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/ (https://www.instagram.com/endfoodwasteaus/)
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/marinebioCRC/ (https://www.facebook.com/marinebioCRC/)
https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/ (https://www.facebook.com/HoneyandFox/)
https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/ (https://www.facebook.com/thegreatunwaste/)
https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/ (https://www.facebook.com/EndFoodWasteAus/)
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/marine-bioproducts-crc (https://www.linkedin.com/company/marine-bioproducts-crc)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd (https://au.linkedin.com/company/honey-&-fox-pty-ltd)
https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus (https://au.linkedin.com/company/endfoodwasteaus)
Who has been a guest on Food Waste Matters
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Sofia Katzin
Pia Winberg
Natalie Bolt
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5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100
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Quality
83
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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