Food waste is a very real threat to food security and the problem is getting worse, with the UN estimating that around 30% of all food produced globally ends up in landfill.
“Food loss and waste undermine the sustainability of our food systems,” says a spokesperson for the United Nations (UN). “When food is lost or wasted, all the resources that were used to produce this food - including water, land, energy, labour and capital - go to waste. In addition, the disposal of food loss and waste in landfills leads to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Food loss and waste can also negatively impact food security and food availability and contribute to increasing the cost of food.”
It’s clear then that significant changes are required at all stages of production, including the very beginning, which is where Carbiotix comes in.
Founded in Lund, Sweden, this fast-growing biotech company is pioneering onsite upcycling of plant-based side-streams.
What is upcycling?
Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products. It’s a practice used often in furniture and fashion but underutilised in food.
“The current food production system is dysfunctional,” says Kristofer Cook, CEO of Carbiotix.
But Carbiotix plans to change this, with its core service, NutraCycle. This service allows food manufacturers to upcycle ingredients onsite, facilitating the upcycling of plant-based products into new products. And not only does it cut waste, it also creates new revenue streams for the business.
“We’re a company that focuses on value creation for our customers,” says Cook.
What are food industry side streams?
Side streams in the food industry can best be described as waste products, which are not used by the primary industry, but instead sold onto another industry sector for use.
In the seafood industry, side streams are predominantly fish heads, guts, frames and processing water. These are often sold to produce low-value products, such as animal feed.
