Ingredients for a Circular Economy
Organisation or Company
Type of organisation or company
Country
EU
City
Brussels
Language for original content
Key Area
Project elaborated in partnership
No
Sector
Submitted by
FoodDrinkEurope
Ongoing
Yes
FoodDrinKEurope
Description
Circular economy for the food and drink industry means an efficient use of resources (water, energy, raw materials), from the sourcing of agricultural raw materials to the consumption of our products, including the need to prevent food losses and wastage at each and every stage wherever possible. Through continuous improvement and product innovation, many food and drink manufacturers have developed by-product and co-product lines to maximise the use of raw materials and minimise food waste.
Main activity field
Identified challenge (s)
Main results
Expected results following a proper implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan:
- Taking food waste prevention actions that address the whole food chain;
- Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goal on food waste at EU level;
- Clarifying EU legislation to facilitate food donation;
- Explore options to improve understanding of date marking without compromising food safety and quality;
- Maximising the value of raw materials by allowing more materials to remain products or be classified as by-products;
- Promoting continuous improvement of the environmental performance of food and drink products along their life-cycle;
- Promoting investment in research and development;
- Focusing on consumer education and changing public attitudes towards waste minimisation.