Project Cycle 2013-2017: Total utilization of raw materials in the supply chain for food with a bio-economical perspective

Summary in the original language of the document

The CYCLE project aimed at upcycling food industry co-streams in the value chains for pelagic fish, chicken, vegetables and potatoes, where new utilisations may increase benefits and economic profit. Project partners from Norwegian industry participated actively, e.g. to test new technologies for conserving food co-streams for animal feed. E.g., discarded potatoes were compacted and wrapped in plastic to achieve a long shelf-life due to fermentation by lactic acid bacteria. CYCLE was an interdisciplinary project with a bio-economic perspective, studying both marine and agricultural value chains. The project conducted several studies to improve the resource utilization in Norwegian food chains by developing novel technology and innovative, sustainable approaches. CYCLE integrated disciplines such as food safety, sustainability, sensor & automation technology, logistics and animal nutrition. Food co-streams being not appropriate for human food consumption were utilised as feed, fertilizers or energy. Recycling of local resources is of special interest in organic farming, where organic matter and nutrients should circulate in the farming system, producing a surplus to be sold as food. Current linear, industrially designed food models should be replaced by cycling systems. In cooperation with NIBIO, NORSØK lead a work package on feed and fertilisers. Hydrolysation of chicken feathers, and hydrothermal carbonification of residues after anaerobic digestion to produce biochar for soil amendment are two examples of CYCLE activities managed by NIBIO and NORSØK.