In a groundbreaking move, Mill, the innovative food waste startup, has secured a major deal with Amazon and Whole Foods, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize the way we handle food waste. This partnership is a testament to the company's vision and determination to make a meaningful impact on the environment and the food industry.

Behind the scenes, Mill's co-founder and CEO, Matt Rogers, has been working tirelessly to bring this vision to life. With a background in product design and a passion for sustainability, Rogers has been instrumental in shaping the company's strategy and products. "We've always aspired to expand our reach beyond households," Rogers told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview. "Our goal has been to make a dent in the commercial food waste market, and this deal with Amazon and Whole Foods is a major step in that direction."

Mill's journey began a few years ago, when the company started selling its food waste bins to households. These bins, designed with the same attention to detail and user experience that made the Nest thermostat a household name, have been a huge success. But Rogers and his team knew that the real challenge lay ahead – tackling the much larger and more complex problem of commercial food waste.

The deal with Amazon and Whole Foods is a significant departure from Mill's household-focused approach. Under the terms of the agreement, Whole Foods will deploy a commercial-scale version of Mill's food waste bin in each of its grocery stores, starting in 2027. These bins will grind and dehydrate waste from the produce department, reducing costly landfill fees and providing feed for Whole Foods' egg producers. The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the company's overhead and ecological footprint.

But the benefits of this partnership go beyond just cost savings and environmental benefits. By collecting data on food waste, Mill's bins will help Whole Foods understand what gets wasted and why, allowing the grocer to make informed decisions about its supply chain and inventory management. "Our goal is not just to make their waste operations more efficient, but also to move upstream so they actually waste less food," Rogers explained.

This partnership is a significant milestone in the food waste management industry, and it's not just about the technology – it's about the people and the planet. As Rogers noted, "Food waste is a massive problem, and it's not just about the environmental impact – it's also about the economic and social implications. By working together, we can make a real difference."

The impact of this partnership will be felt far beyond the walls of Whole Foods' stores. As the food waste management industry continues to evolve, Mill's technology and approach are likely to influence the way other companies and organizations tackle this complex problem. As Rogers put it, "We're not just solving a technical problem – we're changing the way people think about food waste and sustainability."

As the partnership between Mill and Whole Foods continues to unfold, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of a new chapter in the food waste management industry. With its innovative technology, commitment to sustainability, and partnership with a major player like Whole Foods, Mill is poised to make a significant impact on the way we handle food waste – and that's a story worth telling.