RDI projects
RDI projects
#savoniaAMK
Project Information |  |
| Name | Waste2Worth |
| Start | 31.12.2023 |
| End | 30.12.2025 |
| Website | https://waste2worth.eu |
| Status | Running |
| Contact | Anna-Maria Saarela |
| Description | Food waste is a significant problem in the European Union (EU) with ~88 million tons of food wasted annually. The issue not only has environmental & economic consequences, but food waste is a major contributor to food insecurity in the EU. According to a report published by the European Commission in 2019, SMEs in the food & drink sector account for ~42% of the total food waste generated in the EU. This translates to ~47million tons of food waste per year. The report also highlights that the majority of this waste (88%) is avoidable & could have been prevented with better management practices. The report emphasizes the need for SMEs to adopt sustainable practices and reduce food waste to address this issue.
Food SMEs are essential players in the food sector, contributing significantly to the economy & creating employment opportunities. However, food SMEs face various challenges, including the issue of food waste, which affects their bottom line and contributes to environmental degradation. The EU has set a target to reduce food waste by 30% by 2025. This is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to half per capita global food waste at the retail & consumer levels, and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, by 2030. In addition, the EU has implemented policies such as the "Farm to Fork" strategy and the "Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture" strategy, which aim to promote sustainable food production and consumption. This includes initiatives such as supporting organic farming, promoting local food systems, and encouraging the development of circular and bio-economies. Identifying and valorising waste will become a key asset for Europe’s socio-economic recovery and resilience as it contributes to protecting biodiversity, sustainable local development, sustainable food production, social cohesion, and economic viability A report published by the European Commission in 2019,estimates that the cost of food waste to the EU economy is ~€143 billion/year. This includes the costs associated with production, distribution, and disposal, as well as the economic value of the food that is lost or wasted. The report emphasizes the NEED FOR ACTION TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND CALLS FOR A MORE COORDINATED APPROACH FROM ALL STAKEHOLDERS, including governments, businesses, and consumers. Research study by Kambites and Parry (2019) showed that SMEs in the food SECTOR LACK THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS FOOD WASTE. The study analyzed the barriers and facilitators to food waste reduction in SMEs, using a systematic review of the literature. The findings revealed that many SMEs lacked the necessary knowledge and expertise to implement effective waste reduction strategies. All of these reasons motivate us so that a methodical approach via W2W is the right thing to do at the right time. By addressing this issue, we also ensure that education remains relevant, valuable & suited to creating informed changemakers. |
| Partners | Bia Innovator campus Ireland
Momentum Marketing Services Limited Ireland Fondazione Luigi Clerici Italy Centro de Formacion de Administracion y Hosteleria Spain Savonia University of Applied Sciences Finland |
| Funded by | Erasmus+ 2021-2027 |