Second Squeeze

Food loss and waste account for 8-10% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions[1]. If food waste was a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases—after China and the United States. Every year, it produces around 3.3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent which is more than the emissions from every car on the planet.

In Burleigh Heads in Queensland, Mike has spent over 20 years producing juice and food products through his business, Queensland Fruit Processors. But he saw a deeper opportunity: what if the vast quantities of food waste in Australia could be turned into something useful, and even exciting? Partnering with Brent, an accountant who now splits his time between private practice and the new venture, they created Second Squeeze.

Together, they are upcycling discarded and out-of-spec produce into high-value, climate-positive, food and drink. For them, waste isn’t just a problem—it’s “the biggest pantry in the world.” Their approach reduces methane emissions from rotting fruit, cuts food system inefficiency, and shows how entrepreneurial thinking can unlock value while tackling climate change.

[1] United Nations (2024) https://unfccc.int/news/food-loss-and-waste-account-for-8-10-of-annual-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-cost-usd-1-trillion?utm