On October 18, 2023, Jolijn Zwart-van Kessel from Foodvalley NL and Freek van Eijk from Holland Circular Hotspot presented the new publication 'Circular agrifood & biomass: food and materials for a sustainable future' to Piet Adema, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. This happened during the trade mission in South Africa on green hydrogen, circular waste processing and future-oriented agriculture and horticulture.
The publication provides insight into various Dutch circular best practices and provides a good look at future business opportunities. It also shows the lessons learned in utilizing residual flows from collaborating governments, knowledge institutions and companies active in the field of Dutch agrifood production.
Upcycling and biomass in the circular economy
This publication gives you an idea of:
- reuse within the cultivation system;
- value creation within the food chain through upcycling (a form of recycling in which the product has the same or even better quality after processing);
- replacement; and
- biomass applications outside the agrifood sector.
The introduction of circular economic measures is becoming increasingly important due to climate change, the growing world population, the increase in prosperity and the finite nature of certain raw materials. Biomass is becoming increasingly essential in the circular economy. In addition to food and animal feed, biomass also supplies renewable raw materials that can contribute to the replacement of primary raw materials in other sectors.
“Many of Foodvalley NL's innovative partners are actively involved and draw on our various initiatives in their daily practice. For example, by working together in the Foodvalley NL Upcycling Community to upcycle waste flows to consumers. Together we can develop and introduce more and better circular solutions worldwide.”
Jolijn Zwart-van Kessel, Foodvalley NL
Increase in global demand for biomass
The global demand for biomass will increase enormously until 2050. However, it is not yet certain whether the supply of sustainably produced biomass can keep up with the demand for it. A transition to an ecologically sustainable production and consumption system is essential for the upcycling of food waste and biomass production. Because raw materials and biomass may become available in limited quantities worldwide and the interests and required investments are high, dilemmas will arise.
“Globally we see increasing competition between food, animal feed and biomass for materials, chemicals and energy. This publication is a toolbox and source of inspiration to find a new balance in this transition for everyone working in (circular) agrifood & biomass sectors. We want to inspire and help accelerate and scale sustainable business opportunities everywhere.”
Freek van Eijk, Holland Circular Hotspot
Collaboration
This publication is the result of a collaboration between the following parties:
- Netherlands Enterprise Agency;
- Holland Circular Hotspot;
- Foodvalley NL;
- Top Sector Agri & Food;
- Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
You can download the publication from RVO.nl
Photo: © Wayne Hanscombe / Ministry of Foreign Affairs
