Value creation from agrifood side streams within the circular economy
‘To what extent can I obtain higher value for my waste streams and, at the same time, contribute to a circular economy?’ is a question that concerns many businesses and governments and to which Wageningen Food & Biobased Research finds answers.
Side streams from agrifood production are full of valuable components, for which many surprising applications are possible. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research uses its broad understanding of the circular economy to provide chain partners with insight into opportunities for optimum valorisation of waste streams.
Circular Economy in Food
With a set of technologies and expertise, we help partners in the food chain to extract maximum value from side streams. We provide support, if desired, at every step needed to transform an idea into marketable products; from monitoring and analysis to product and process development, consumer research and supply-chain design. We link food with non-food – two supply chains that, in a circular economy, are inseparably connected with each other. In the cultivation of food crops and food production there will always be a part that is not fit for consumption. These residues can become a sustainable raw-material source for biobased products and thus provide environmental benefits in addition to adding value.
Waste does not exist
If it were up to us, in 2030 at least half of all agrifood side streams will be processed into high-quality added value food, feed and bio-based products. This means that raw materials will be used more efficiently and effectively delivering a positive impact on resource use efficiency and the environment. Moreover a positive economic impact can be expected due to increased value creation by companies and new businesses. This dream will come true only with the involvement of each partner in the chain, from farmer to retailer, understanding that a circular economy is something to create together. At Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, we facilitate and support companies and governments with this challenge, and match the initiatives. So that we can, in a not-too-distant future, truly say that waste does not exist.
