Circular economy in the food sector

The efficiency of the circle

What could be more practical or more resource-efficient than making use of what is already available or what is produced as a by-product of other processes? The circular economy aims to achieve precisely this kind of sustainable value creation system. It thus represents an alternative to the linear economy, in which resources are used and then disposed of. The circular economy aims to help establish sustainable production processes and reduce the burden on the environment by reusing resources. The ‘zero-waste’ concept is already familiar to many and stands in contrast to the throwaway society. But what exactly are the concepts behind the circular economy?

Concepts of the circular economy

As a general principle, we should close material cycles rather than constantly opening up new branches. Production and consumption should be organised in such a way that raw materials, materials and goods can be used for as long as possible. At the same time, the aim is to reduce the use of new resources, energy consumption and emissions, and to produce as little waste as possible.

Strategies and approaches for implementing such a value chain, maximising value creation and utilisation, include, for example:

• Reduced waste generation: Waste prevention is one of the most effective ways of promoting a circular economy. This can be achieved, for example, by focusing on durability, reparability or the reuse of products and materials. The aim of the cradle-to-cradle concept, for example, is to ensure that products can be returned to the biological or technical cycle at the end of their life cycle without producing any waste.

• Recycling: arguably one of the best-known concepts in waste management. Recycling waste is an important step, as the collection, sorting and processing of materials enable new products to be manufactured.

• Upcycling: Repurposing products can also increase their value in the long term. Items that would otherwise be thrown away are given a makeover and can enjoy a new lease of life.

• Circular economy design: Products are already being designed in such a way that they are suitable for reuse, can be easily repaired – for example, thanks to their modular design – or are themselves made from recycled materials.

• Biological cycles: The concept focuses on the reuse of organic materials – for example, in the form of fertilisers produced through composting, or the use of waste water to water plants.

• Industrial cooperation: Collaboration between different companies can facilitate the exchange of energy, materials or waste products, thereby increasing resource efficiency. For example, waste heat from industrial processes can be used for heating purposes, or waste products from one sector can serve as key raw materials for another.

Resource conservation in the food industry

The concept of the circular economy is also applied in various ways within the food industry. In order to improve sustainability in food production and processing within Germany’s fourth-largest sector and to effectively close material loops, the following approaches, amongst others, are being pursued:

• Optimised packaging play an important role in the transport and storage of food. To ensure good recyclability, cardboard boxes, for example, are used as transport packaging. Furthermore, smaller, resealable food packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials can help reduce resource consumption.

• Reducing food waste: Even though the majority of food waste is generated in private households, the food industry has put measures in place to reduce this waste. Technical solutions and further processing strategies play a major role in this regard. In terms of conserving resources, these efforts are particularly noteworthy, as resources have already been used up to produce all goods and materials.

Reuse of waste products: Reusing by-products and residual materials from food production can make sense not only from an environmental but also from an economic perspective. This is because, even if the by-products are no longer used in the company’s own production process, other buyers can usually be found. For example, the production of pet food can often benefit from such residual materials. Alternatively, organic waste products can also be put to good use in biogas plants.

Sustainable agriculture operates in a circular manner

The efficiency of the circular economy has also become a key focus for the sector in the production of agricultural goods. A biological cycle that provides farms with what they need whilst requiring as few external inputs as possible. Everything from a single source – thanks to optimal resource utilisation: from feed and fertilisers, the use of renewable energy and regenerative soil improvement practices, right through to adapted livestock management. An environmentally friendly cycle, the success of which, however, depends on all the cogs meshing together reliably and effectively.

Urban Agriculture

It is not only in conventional agriculture that the circular economy concept is gaining increasing acceptance. It is also the case with systems in the Urban Farming, such as the Aquaponics, sustainable and organic material cycles are utilised. After all, urban farming projects aim to increase the efficiency of cultivation and reduce long transport distances. What, then, could be more obvious than making use of the resources that are already available locally? In this way, even waste products from everyday life can be integrated into the cycle – from using waste water to irrigate plants, to turning rubbish into compost, right through to channelling waste heat to heat greenhouses. All with a view to maximising resource use and minimising environmental impact.

Everything from a single source – including Ehlert

Running a successful business whilst consuming fewer resources – this objective can even be pursued when procuring consumables and essential goods within the food industry. Optimised procurement management, implemented by an experienced supply chain specialist, has the potential to streamline many processes in a single step. Through specialist wholesalers, food producers can source their supplies from a single source – in line with a resource-efficient approach to production.

If you, too, see room for improvement in the procurement of equipment and related items, or in the provision of high-quality machinery, then Ehlert is the right place for you. Our range demonstrates the wide variety of high-quality products we have in stock. Here you will also find glassware that can be given a new lease of life through recycling.

Using specialist wholesalers not only helps to reduce transport distances for deliveries; it also means that packaging materials can be cut down as a result of bulk orders. Furthermore, we have precisely tailored equipment and clothing to get the cycle up and running.

And even if the environmentally friendly products are still missing that final touch, our range will help you on your way. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions – we’re always happy to support you.