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Does waste equal food? Examining the feasibility of circular economy in the food industry

Helen Kopnina, Francesco Boatta, Mariusz Baranowski, Floris De Graad

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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    Abstract

    The main objective of the chapter is to explore the closed-loop systems and circular economy in the context of the food production and sustainability perspective. The sections in this chapter engage with Cradle to Cradle or
    C2C principles and the 9-R strategy for the circular economy but also discuss
    the danger of subversion. Consequently, we turn to Lindeman’s (1942) rule and
    Moerman’s ladder. Lindeman’s rule states that there is only a 10% transmission
    of energy from one trophic level to the next. Moerman’s ladder indicates how
    much value can still be extracted from food that is lost. Following that, we discuss alternatives, such as vegan diets, meat substitutes, lab-grown meat, and, in
    particular, insects. The chapter centers on the question: is circularity in food
    production possible?
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Impossibilities of the Circular Economy
    Subtitle of host publicationSeparating Aspirations from Reality
    EditorsHarry Lehmann, Christoph Hinske, Victoire de Margerie, Aneta Slaveikova Nikolova
    Place of PublicationNew York, London
    PublisherRoutledge
    Pages11-22
    Number of pages12
    Edition1st
    ISBN (Electronic)9781003244196
    ISBN (Print)9781032154466
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 4 Nov 2022

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
      SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    2. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
      SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

    Keywords

    • sustainable business
    • Sustainability
    • circular economy
    • food industry
    • Closed loop systems
    • Sustainable supply chain

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