Understanding and optimizing waste and resource flows in the food system.
Systemic Perspective on Residual Stream Valorization
To promote a more circular food system, WP2 examines material, energy, and utility flows within Sweden’s food and beverage sector, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for resource recovery. The work examines the positive and negative implications of redirecting current residual flows into new valorization pathways, and how these shifts influence sustainability and resilience at system and regional levels. The goal is to provide evidence that helps industries and policymakers strengthen circularity, resource efficiency, and regional food system resilience.
Objectives
Map and analyze residual heat, materials, and waste streams linked to food production
Assess how new valorization pathways affect sustainability and systemic performance
Study how circular resource use contributes to regional resilience and risk reduction
Examine how industrial symbiosis can create shared value and efficiency among actors
Expected Outcomes
System-level overview of resource use and recovery opportunities
Methods to assess sustainability and resilience implications of circular food provisioning
Insights into collaboration and symbiotic development across the sector
Guidance for strategies that promote circular and resilient food systems
Team and Partners
Led by Michael Martin (IVL/KTH) and Mattias Eriksson (SLU), WP2 brings together researchers from KTH, SLU and FOI with partners including Ragnsells, Axfoundation, Arla, Orkla, Sweden Foodtech, and Science Park Gotland.
