Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ToNoWaste (TOWARDS A NEW ZERO FOOD WASTE MINDSET BASED ON HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-02-29
Food waste impact assessment is extremely complex, not only due to the lack of open access data but also to the absence of a standard methodology for the overall evaluation in real food systems. This problem especially affects the engagement of private entities that need to evaluate the economic, social and environmental sustainability of large-scale food loss and waste prevention and reduction (FLWPR) solutions to act.
Now the statistics shows that around 88 million tonnes of food are lost or wasted annually along the EU food supply chain, from primary production up to consumption, with associated costs of 143 billion euros. As well, the environmental impact associated is also huge: the global food loss and waste equalled 8–10% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions and cost about 1 trillion USD/year and 30% of agricultural land waste its crops. But the situation is maybe even worse, with statistics indicating that 70% of all human food lost or wasted might not be registered because it is originated in primary production or used as animal feed.
ToNoWaste is a project with 48-month scope where 21 institutions from 7 countries collaborate to overcome this challenge with a multi-actor and interdisciplinary approach that considers not only the agronomic, economic, environmental and business model challenges but also other cross-cutting aspects such as psychology, law and social innovation for fighting gender and social inequalities too.
ToNoWaste will develop science and evidence-based assessment and ICT tools and data, connecting with previous EU funded projects and inspire market actors to use them to make better decisions towards a more sustainable food production and consumption patterns. It starts from investigating what best decision means regarding FLWPR actions in fresh food value chain. It is an open innovation ecosystem designed to take advantage from expert knowledge and previous results for the identification of Social, Technical/Environmental, Economic, Political/legal, Ethical & Demographic root causes and to collaborate with ongoing R&I actions to propose integral FLWPR solutions.
Now the statistics shows that around 88 million tonnes of food are lost or wasted annually along the EU food supply chain, from primary production up to consumption, with associated costs of 143 billion euros. As well, the environmental impact associated is also huge: the global food loss and waste equalled 8–10% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions and cost about 1 trillion USD/year and 30% of agricultural land waste its crops. But the situation is maybe even worse, with statistics indicating that 70% of all human food lost or wasted might not be registered because it is originated in primary production or used as animal feed.
ToNoWaste is a project with 48-month scope where 21 institutions from 7 countries collaborate to overcome this challenge with a multi-actor and interdisciplinary approach that considers not only the agronomic, economic, environmental and business model challenges but also other cross-cutting aspects such as psychology, law and social innovation for fighting gender and social inequalities too.
ToNoWaste will develop science and evidence-based assessment and ICT tools and data, connecting with previous EU funded projects and inspire market actors to use them to make better decisions towards a more sustainable food production and consumption patterns. It starts from investigating what best decision means regarding FLWPR actions in fresh food value chain. It is an open innovation ecosystem designed to take advantage from expert knowledge and previous results for the identification of Social, Technical/Environmental, Economic, Political/legal, Ethical & Demographic root causes and to collaborate with ongoing R&I actions to propose integral FLWPR solutions.
ToNoWaste’s project aims to create an open innovation ecosystem to engage European entities in food waste prevention and reduction (FWPR). Multistakeholder workshops across Europe have been key in sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, leading to the development of the ToNoWaste database. This database aids in characterizing FWPR actions and aligns with the FOODRUS database. The project emphasizes evidence-informed decision-making within the fresh food value chain, using impact assessment methodologies that support the ‘Food 2030’ initiative for sustainable food systems.
A new science-based framework (SBF) has been developed to guide decision-making, with a multidisciplinary group defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability. These KPIs are based on environmental and social impacts of consumed fresh products. Quantitative Decision-Making Methods (QDMM) have been reviewed, including statistical and machine learning methods, to enhance waste prevention and reduction strategies. Tools like the Hotspots Analysis Tool help manage sustainability risks, supported by ICT tools for data management.
ToNoWaste has launched initiatives to shift mindsets and behaviours in the Food Supply Chain (FSC). A citizen app is in development to engage consumers in FWPR actions, complemented by surveys to understand food waste drivers. A strategic plan guides the implementation and assessment of sustainability in FWPR actions, with pilot actions in various regions addressing technical solutions, social aspects, and stakeholder engagement.
Technological advancements are being explored, such as sustainable packaging and a data interoperability model for comprehensive analysis. This model supports actionable insights and integrates with the FOODRUS framework. A taxonomy for FLWPR best practices has been created, utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and expert validation.
ToNoWaste also focuses on organizational change, offering coaching services and best practices in the FSC. A literature review on sustainable and circular business models supports the readiness of pilot and follower regions to implement educational solutions. Workshops provide guidelines for market actors in the fresh food value chain, contributing to the development of new EU policies.
In summary, ToNoWaste is making strides in engaging stakeholders, developing decision-making frameworks, and initiating actions to promote sustainability in the food system across Europe. The project’s multifaceted approach includes database development, technological innovations, and strategic planning to assess and reduce food loss and waste comprehensively.
A new science-based framework (SBF) has been developed to guide decision-making, with a multidisciplinary group defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability. These KPIs are based on environmental and social impacts of consumed fresh products. Quantitative Decision-Making Methods (QDMM) have been reviewed, including statistical and machine learning methods, to enhance waste prevention and reduction strategies. Tools like the Hotspots Analysis Tool help manage sustainability risks, supported by ICT tools for data management.
ToNoWaste has launched initiatives to shift mindsets and behaviours in the Food Supply Chain (FSC). A citizen app is in development to engage consumers in FWPR actions, complemented by surveys to understand food waste drivers. A strategic plan guides the implementation and assessment of sustainability in FWPR actions, with pilot actions in various regions addressing technical solutions, social aspects, and stakeholder engagement.
Technological advancements are being explored, such as sustainable packaging and a data interoperability model for comprehensive analysis. This model supports actionable insights and integrates with the FOODRUS framework. A taxonomy for FLWPR best practices has been created, utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and expert validation.
ToNoWaste also focuses on organizational change, offering coaching services and best practices in the FSC. A literature review on sustainable and circular business models supports the readiness of pilot and follower regions to implement educational solutions. Workshops provide guidelines for market actors in the fresh food value chain, contributing to the development of new EU policies.
In summary, ToNoWaste is making strides in engaging stakeholders, developing decision-making frameworks, and initiating actions to promote sustainability in the food system across Europe. The project’s multifaceted approach includes database development, technological innovations, and strategic planning to assess and reduce food loss and waste comprehensively.
ToNoWaste is advancing FLWPR with innovative Key Exploitable Results (KERs) that enhance the state of the art:
• KER1: Delphi process for FLW causes and solutions, fostering dialogue among Research and Technology Organisations.
• KER2: Science-based FLWPR assessment framework, sharing findings via scientific publications.
• KER3: FLWPR actions database architecture, requiring scientific publications and regulatory support.
• KER4: FLWPR solutions co-creation living labs, engaging EU and member state policymakers.
• KER5: Method for selecting KPIs for FLWPR measurement, depending on scientific publications and regulatory support.
• KER8: Interoperability data model for FLWPR actions, impacting future platform regulations.
• KER11: Ex-ante FLWPR social analysis, sharing results with policymakers.
• KER13: FWPR Engagement app, prototyping for broader application.
• KER15: Taxonomy of FLWPR actions, aiming for scientific publication inclusion.
• KER1: Delphi process for FLW causes and solutions, fostering dialogue among Research and Technology Organisations.
• KER2: Science-based FLWPR assessment framework, sharing findings via scientific publications.
• KER3: FLWPR actions database architecture, requiring scientific publications and regulatory support.
• KER4: FLWPR solutions co-creation living labs, engaging EU and member state policymakers.
• KER5: Method for selecting KPIs for FLWPR measurement, depending on scientific publications and regulatory support.
• KER8: Interoperability data model for FLWPR actions, impacting future platform regulations.
• KER11: Ex-ante FLWPR social analysis, sharing results with policymakers.
• KER13: FWPR Engagement app, prototyping for broader application.
• KER15: Taxonomy of FLWPR actions, aiming for scientific publication inclusion.