Improving resource efficiency through designing innovative solutions to reduce food waste

Closed

FAO estimates that each year one-third of all food produced for human consumption in the world is lost[KM1] /wasted. In recent years several projects looked into this topic, with focus on the last parts of the chain: retail and consumers. This project will focus on the first parts of the chain responsible for 60% of EU’s food waste (FAO). In Food Heroes this drive towards a circular model is facilitated by collaboration among innovation stakeholders on design and testing of innovative solutions. In NWE territorial differences occur in innovation leadership. The project will help less innovative regions to implement an innovation ecosystem where the creative sector, agrifood sector, knowledge institutes and public authorities can collaborate in the design of solutions for food waste. In 3 transnational pilots specific issues of food waste/losses will be addressed, involving 120 SMEs and developing, testing and implementing 15 innovative solutions, leading to a waste reduction at the end of the project: Fish: currently 1,810 tons of waste in Ireland in filleting of white fish; 230,000 tons of waste in France. To be reduced with 468 tons. Fruits&vegetables: currently waste of 7.4M tons in NWE; to be reduced with 4,100 tons. Male chickens and goats: currently 87M 1-day male chicks are killed and 202,000 male goats are not brought to value in NL, DE, NW-FR; reduced killing of 0.5M male chicks; 15,000 male chickens and 3,250 male goats brought to higher value.< Roll out of developed solutions by dissemination of joint methodology for co-creative design, demonstration of best practices, international Food Heroes Award and participation in innovation platforms such as World Design Expo 2017 (NL). With long term effect of a wide roll out of developed solutions by more than 450 SMEs 10 years after project ends. We will deliver the results because of our relevant network of the partnership representing over 80,000 agrifood businesses in NWE.

Medium