
Doug McMaster
Transform food sustainability with Doug McMaster, speaker and zero-waste chef. Doug works with culinary organisations to implement sustainable practices and innovative waste reduction techniques, delivering Michelin-starred expertise as Britain's Most Innovative Chef and creator of the world's first zero-waste restaurant.

London, United Kingdom
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Doug began his culinary journey at Winteringham Fields, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, before honing his skills at ST. JOHN in London, which he credits as a pivotal experience in his career. Doug's quest for knowledge took him around the globe, where he staged at renowned establishments such as Heston’s The Fat Duck and the acclaimed Noma in Copenhagen.
Doug launched the pop-up restaurant Wasted in Sydney and Melbourne, where he tested his zero-waste concept by transforming food that would otherwise be discarded into fine dining experiences. This venture laid the groundwork for his ambitious goal of creating a fully zero-waste restaurant, which he realised with the opening of Silo in Brighton. Here, he implemented practices such as package-free produce delivery and on-site flour milling, successfully achieving his zero-waste objective.
Doug's commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned him numerous accolades, including the 'BBC Young Chef of the Year Award' and 'Britain’s Most Innovative Chef' at the Young British Foodie awards. Silo has also received recognition as 'Britain’s Most Ethical Restaurant' and 'Most Innovative Restaurant' at various prestigious awards.
Now based in London, Doug continues to push the boundaries of culinary practices, inspiring a new generation of chefs to embrace sustainability in their kitchens. His journey reflects a profound dedication to redefining the relationship between food and waste, making his perspective essential for anyone interested in designing and implementing sustainable food practices.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Douglas McMaster, a leader in zero-waste dining, presents innovative strategies for creating a completely waste-free food system. Drawing on his experience at Silo, the first zero-waste restaurant, he offers practical insights for chefs, producers, and policymakers to transform food systems from soil to plate. Attendees will learn actionable methods to rethink their approach to food and contribute to a sustainable future.
In this session, Douglas McMaster explores the hidden costs of food waste and its vital connection to the climate crisis. Emphasising circular design, regenerative thinking, and culinary innovation, Doug will share practical solutions to integrate sustainability into everyday kitchen practices and supply chains. Attendees will learn how to transform their approach to food waste, making sustainability an achievable and essential part of their operations.
In his keynote, Douglas McMaster envisions future food systems grounded in ecology, design, and ethics. He combines philosophical insights with practical approaches, advocating for a shift from industrial reliance to regenerative independence. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and innovative strategies that can transform our food systems for a more hopeful and resilient future.
This session explores the importance of creating a sustainable future and how individuals can empower change to improve the world. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges we face and the actions they can take to contribute to a more sustainable future. By providing practical tips and inspiring examples, this session will motivate and empower attendees to positively impact the world around them.
Most people are trying to innovate using technology as a lever. It may be good, but it’s not good enough. If you want to create an extraordinary impact that delivers breakthrough and sustainable results, you need to focus on transformative innovation. This keynote will help you understand what it takes to create a practical ecosystem for innovating in the age of disruption and give you the tools and inspiration to break the mold, find new ways of doing things, and disrupt your industry.
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
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