Unibloom’s Post

New paper in the Journal of Cleaner Production #OpenAccess 🌍 Barriers to circular economy adoption are diverse and some are business-model specific: Evidence from the Australian cheese manufacturing sector 🧀 Achieving SDG 12.3—halving food loss and waste by 2030—requires businesses to adopt circular economy practices. But the path to circularity is not one-size-fits-all. In this study, we examined four interchangeable circular business models (CBMs) in the Australian cheese manufacturing sector, focusing on repurposing whey, a major by-product: - In-house (IH) - Third party (TP) - Joint venture (JV) - Focal company (FC) Through a nationally-representative study accounting for 31% of the sector, I conducted interviews with cheese manufacturers. We identified common barriers like operational costs and economies of scale. However, each model presents unique challenges: - IH: Feasible for all scales but demands significant time and resources. - TP: Great for firms with time constraints, but relies on clear agreements regarding the ‘value’ of a waste stream. - JV: A promising option for firms lacking scale or capital but requires clear leadership and business plans. - FC: Effective for larger firms that already repurpose whey, but upstream product specifications need to be met by smaller partners. 💡 Expanding Willingness to Change Considering multiple CBMs significantly boosts firms' willingness to adopt circular practices—jumping from 33% with IH models alone to 79% when all four models are on the table. This shows that diverse strategies are critical to driving circular economy adoption, as relying on a single model limits flexibility and innovation. 🎯 Why This Matters Transitioning to a circular economy won’t happen overnight. But by understanding and addressing the specific barriers each model presents, we can unlock new pathways for businesses to reduce food waste and support a more sustainable dairy sector. Access the paper here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsZafNUe Thanks to my co-authors Adam Loch, Pablo Juliano and Wendy Umberger for your contributions. Also, a big thanks to End Food Waste Australia, CSIRO and the University of Adelaide for the financial support. I had the opportunity to present this work at the Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, IFAMA and NBM International Conference on New Business Models conferences earlier this year. Thanks for all the feedback I received there. Giulia Valentini, Niso Randellini, Ouiam Fatiha Boukharta, Mozelle R., Pablo Mac Clay, Sharon Lucock, Juan Pablo Casadiego 🌱, Mariana Kovačić-Lukić, Anja Grüll, Roger Nyffenegger, Guilherme Signorini. #CircularEconomy #SDG12 #CircularBusinessModels #FoodLossWaste #TheGreatUnwaste #Dairy #Cheese #Whey

𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 Eating could be sustainable ? Did you know the average person throws away a shocking amount of food packaging each year? But what if your snacking break could be good for you and the planet? "𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹 + 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲" These superstars aren't just trendy. ✔️ Biodegradable ✔️ Versatile ✔️ Durable ✔️ Locally sourced materials But wait, there's more! Sustainable snacking you gear isn't just about reducing plastic. It supports ethical production practices and empowers local communities. So, with every bite, you're contributing to a healthier planet. By making small swaps like these, we can collectively create a big difference. What sustainable swaps are you incorporating into your life? Share your tips in the comments!

I’m so interested by the topic of sustainable value chains so I'd be happy to write a brieve paragragh to focus on this vital process. Sustainable food supply chains are essential for a healthy planet and society. They encompass practices that minimize environmental impact, promote social equity, and ensure economic viability for all stakeholders. From reducing carbon footprints and conserving water to ensuring fair labor practices and supporting local communities, sustainable food systems aim to create a more just and resilient food future. Challenges include changing consumer preferences, technological innovation, and collaborative partnerships. However, building a sustainable food system is crucial for a healthier planet, a more just society, and a more secure food future for all. Challenges and Opportunities: -Changing consumer preferences: Educating consumers about sustainable practices and encouraging them to make informed choices. -Technological innovation: Utilizing technology to optimize resource use, improve efficiency, and track food products. -Collaboration and partnerships: Fostering collaboration between stakeholders in the food system, from farmers to retailers. to conclude ,Building sustainable food supply chains requires a holistic approach that addresses environmental, social, and economic considerations. It's a complex challenge, but one that's crucial for a healthier planet, a more just society, and a more secure food future for all.

What if that food packaging you brought home was dishwasher-safe and could withstand multiple uses? What if you could return it to the store after use, put it in your recycling bin, or compost it? Such reusable food packaging might be one way Gen Z consumers—“Zoomers”—could participate in a circular packaging economy without paying an arm and leg for it. But as the link below explains, this packaging would have to overcome significant regulatory and consumer education hurdles before becoming a reality. Whether you offer food or other products, Premier can make your packaging more sustainable. Contact me to find out how!

ANNOUNCEMENT: XLABS FUTURE OF FOOD IS BACK FOR 2024 WITH AN EARLY BIRD OFFER TO JOIN US We’re excited to announce that Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) is partnering with Circularity to bring its award-winning XLabs NZ circular economy program to Nelson this coming August. The Nelson Tasman region is home to over 150 innovative food and beverage organisations like Yum Granola, Pic's Peanut Butter, Chia Sisters and Eddyline Brewery so we think it is the perfect location to inspire us all to redesign the future of food to be circular. Will you join us? Do you grow, harvest, make, distribute, market, sell, compost, upcycle, manufacture, cook or serve kai? Our current food systems contributes 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions,* shifting to a circular food economy could help reduce the sector’s GHG emissions by 49%, or 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2, by 2050.** If we do this, the potential of Aotearoa's food industry and global leadership is boundless. That is why, we are inviting organisations across the food and beverage ecosystem to come together to make the shift from linear to circular at our XLabs: Future of Food 2024 program. Our program provides businesses with the opportunity to build their capability, tackle environmental challenges facing their business, and unlock solutions faster than ever before using circular design principles. With: ➕ 88% of previous participants implemented a circular solution within 6-12 months of completing the XLabs Future of Food program.  ➕ 90% of participants have a better understanding of the circular economy and feel confident about actioning it within their business Join us to reimagine how we grow, care for, and share the true value of food - apply before 31st March to receive our early bird offer: https://lnkd.in/gTpnvuHG Partner with us at XLabs: Future of Food. A circular economy program supporting businesses across Aotearoa who are looking to redesign the future of food — to be more abundant, nature positive, and truly regenerative by design. Explore our partnership opportunities — apply today: https://lnkd.in/gUwjwkjM Presented in partnership by Circularity and Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA), XLabs: Future of Food is our response to the changing landscape of the food industry.

What if that food packaging you brought home was dishwasher-safe and could withstand multiple uses? What if you could return it to the store after use, put it in your recycling bin, or compost it? Such reusable food packaging might be one way Gen Z consumers—“Zoomers”—could participate in a circular packaging economy without paying an arm and leg for it. But as the link below explains, this packaging would have to overcome significant regulatory and consumer education hurdles before becoming a reality. Whether you offer food or other products, Premier can make your packaging more sustainable. Contact me to find out how!

If you're uncertain about which material to select for your disposables, a general guideline is to opt for the lighter material and steer clear of plastic and biodegradable options.

Who doesn’t love a food delivery? But, you know, our food splurges sometimes come with a side of environmental impact. As consumers grow more conscious - they realise their food choices impact the amount of packaging waste. With many food packages still not eco-friendly… It’s up to businesses to take on the responsibility of their packaging approach. Food delivery brands can innovate their packaging to both cut waste and visually attract consumers with functional designs. Sustainable packaging not only benefits the environment but also wins over customers 🎉 Have you noticed a rise in more sustainable approaches amongst food delivery businesses?

DASH-ing Towards Sustainability Forgive the pun... but many of you may already be familiar with the drinks brand DASH. I feel like they have really been popping up everywhere and I can see why! They are truly setting a new standard in the beverage industry with a refreshing twist… quite literally! 🍋 So, what makes DASH stand out? It’s not just about creating delicious drinks. DASH is deeply committed to sustainability, and this commitment shows up throughout their production process. By using “wonky” fruit and vegetables that supermarkets often reject, DASH plays an important role in reducing food waste. On top of this, DASH is also a certified B Corp, meaning they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. Their dedication to being a force for good goes far beyond their products, it is embedded in their values, practices, and mission to make the world a better place. As we navigate this heatwave in the UK, next time you’re looking for a refreshing drink, why not consider a sustainable option? Have you tried DASH Drinks before? #GS2