FROM TRAIN TICKET TO FREE MEAL: HOW TOO GOOD TO GO IS POWERING A SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL MOVEMENT
Arrive Green, Eat Free
As a proud member of the Global Startup Awards (GSA) alumni community—and a back-to-back Finalist for Startup of the Year, in editions 7 and 8—Too Good To Go is a perfect example of how the competition fuels sustainable innovation. Now, its partnership with CopenPay proves that GSA-recognized startups aren’t just award-winners, they’re changemakers.
More specifically, Too Good To Go is teaming up with CopenPay to give train travelers a free 'Surprise Bag' meal. It's a clever way to fight food waste while rewarding eco-friendly travel, showing exactly why they've been recognized by GSA twice for their innovative approach.
How the Partnership Works
Through the collaboration, travelers arriving at Copenhagen Central Station via DSB trains can now receive a free meal in the form of a "Surprise Bag", provided by Too Good To Go. Upon arrival, passengers present their valid train ticket at the DSB 7‑Eleven kiosk or tourist information center to receive a flyer with a QR code. When scanned through the Too Good To Go app, this code unlocks access to a surprise bag filled with unsold food from local stores, cafes, and bakeries.
This simple, effective mechanism offers visitors a practical taste of Denmark's surplus food while also reinforcing the importance of environmentally conscious travel.
Aligning Food Waste Reduction with Green Mobility
The inclusion of Too Good To Go in the CopenPay campaign highlights a growing intersection between sustainable mobility and food system innovation. Founded in Denmark in 2016, Too Good To Go has become a global leader in the fight against food waste, enabling businesses to sell surplus food to consumers at discounted prices via a convenient app interface.
By integrating its platform into the tourism experience, Too Good To Go not only expands its social impact but also elevates the sustainability narrative of Copenhagen—widely regarded as one of the world's greenest cities.
This initiative builds a clear connection between the way people travel and the way they consume, reinforcing behavioral shifts that contribute to broader climate goals.
A Win-Win for Tourists and the Planet
The Too Good To Go-CopenPay partnership is emblematic of a larger shift taking place across Europe, where the private sector, public institutions, and local tourism bodies are collaborating to reimagine how people travel and consume. As tourists increasingly seek out ethical and environmentally sound experiences, Copenhagen's approach offers a compelling template—one that rewards visitors not just with discounts or meals, but with meaningful participation in the city's sustainable future.
This innovative collaboration demonstrates how recognition from competitions like the Global Startup Awards can catalyze startups to expand their impact beyond their core business model. Too Good To Go's journey from GSA finalist to sustainability pioneer showcases the power of connecting entrepreneurial innovation with real-world environmental challenges.
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About the Global Startup Awards (GSA)
The GSA discovers and empowers high-growth, innovative entrepreneurs and their startups through global competitions, events, collaboration, and community. Through regional competitions across multiple continents, GSA celebrates breakthrough innovations while connecting startups with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to scale globally.
Founded to bridge the gap between local talent and global opportunities, GSA has become one of the world's largest independent startup ecosystem competitions. The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories including Startup of the Year, Best Accelerator Program, Female Founder of the Year, and many others, showcasing the diverse talent driving innovation worldwide.
Beyond recognition, GSA creates lasting value through its alumni network of thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders who continue to collaborate long after the competitions end. Winners and finalists gain access to exclusive events, mentorship programs, and partnership opportunities that help accelerate their growth trajectory.
Each year, GSA evaluates hundreds of applications from startups, accelerators, co-working spaces, and ecosystem leaders, culminating in regional finals and a Grand Finale that brings together the best innovations from around the globe.
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