Epäkurantteja

Epäkurantteja is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "unsaleable" or "unsellable" items. It refers to goods that are deemed unfit for sale through regular retail channels due to various reasons. These reasons can include minor damage, being outdated, having expired or soon-to-expire best-before dates, or simply being surplus stock.

These items are often diverted from traditional sales to prevent waste. Instead of being discarded, they might be sold at heavily discounted prices in specialized stores, often referred to as "surplus stores" or "discount outlets." Some epäkurantteja might also be donated to charities or sold in bulk to businesses that can utilize them in other ways, such as for animal feed or industrial purposes.

The concept of epäkurantteja highlights a move towards reducing food and product waste. By finding alternative outlets for items that cannot be sold conventionally, businesses can recoup some of their costs and minimize their environmental impact. Consumers can also benefit by purchasing these items at significantly lower prices, making them accessible to a wider range of people. The definition and specific types of items considered epäkurantteja can vary, but the underlying principle remains the same: giving items a second life rather than discarding them.