Several organizations from the agri-food sector contributed to an impact video concerning circularity within the chain. With this video, these organizations want to show the impact of the agri-food sector by valorizing co-products that are generated during the production process. These co-products contain valuable nutrients that are more frequently used for new purposes such as animal and livestock feed, biobased products, and renewable energy.
Circular chain
During the processing and production of consumer goods, such as beer, vegetables, and wheat, co-products are inevitably generated.
However, these valuable co-products can be utilized for various applications, such as livestock feed, pet food, bio-based products, or renewable energy. By efficiently using most or all of these co-products, the nutrients eventually return to the soil, resulting in a closed cycle. This way, the agri-food chain reduces the waste of water, raw materials, and food while simultaneously decreasing CO₂ emissions.
Impact Video
In collaboration with the progressive (food) producers AB InBev, Crespel & Deiters, EcoFuels, dairy farm J. van Iersel, Laarakker Groenteverwerking, Peka Kroef and de Zaanpeel, the circular contribution has been visualized.
With this video, the agri-food sector shows how it makes a collective impact, from supplier to consumer, by adding value to co-products. The initiative came from Looop, an organization specialized in upgrading co-products from the food and fermentation industry. According to Looop, there is not enough awareness in society of the contribution of the agri-food sector to the circular economy, while the sector is a leading catalyst. "Circularity is, as it should, high on the agenda within these organizations and throughout the chain," says Dick Kroot, Managing Director at Looop. "However, too little thought is given to the circular impact the chain is already making, which is why it is important to tell this story," continues Kroot.
Together we are #MovingCircularityForward
Circularity and sustainability are major disciplines within the agri-food sector and are considered major challenges within the food system.
More and more initiatives are being implemented and facilitated by organizations by reusing water and heat, and generating renewable energy. However, a circular food system can only be established through collaborations within the entire agri-food chain. As a result of cooperation and knowledge transfer, co-products from the food and fermentation industry are used more and more efficiently and fewer raw materials are lost. ‘’Step by step, we are getting closer to a world where waste no longer exists," said Kroot "this video symbolizes that collaboration and the power of the chain, which is something to be proud of".
