Closing the Loop: Regenerative Approaches to Waste Reduction
Christopher Marquis
Professor at Cambridge. Author of “THE PROFITEERS: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost”; "MAO AND MARKETS” (a FT Best Book of 2022); "BETTER BUSINESS: How the B Corp Movement is Remaking Capitalism"
This week's spotlight on waste reduction showcases innovations across industries that are rethinking traditional waste practices. Our Featured Article highlights Better Earth's compostable packaging, which not only reduces plastic pollution but also promotes soil health and carbon sequestration through composting. This case exemplifies the potential of regenerative solutions to close the loop on waste in the foodservice industry.
In our Essential Reads, we're seeing breakthrough efforts across sectors. The UNDP and Circular Innovation Lab are spearheading initiatives to tackle plastic pollution through circular economy principles. Meanwhile, Clean Food Group is turning food waste into valuable oils for cosmetics, and Rice University researchers are using bioengineered microorganisms to address plastic breakdown. Each of these efforts demonstrates the power of regenerative thinking to minimize waste and create value.
Our Research Corner features an important study by Akka? and Gaur (2022), outlining how Operations Management can reduce global food waste. With insights on supply chain technology and business model innovation, the paper offers a roadmap for addressing this urgent issue.
Let's delve into these inspiring stories and discover actionable ways to incorporate waste reduction into our own work!
Featured Article:
Compostable Packaging
Better Earth is transforming the foodservice packaging industry with compostable products that tackle environmental issues like greenhouse gas emissions, plastic pollution, and soil degradation. In this Forbes article, CEO Joseph Bild tells me how the company’s packaging diverts organic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and enhancing soil health through composting. By utilizing rapidly renewable, plant-based materials, they offer a regenerative and circular alternative to traditional plastics. The company emphasizes innovation in product development, ensuring that their solutions meet both functional needs and sustainability goals. Achieving B Corp certification, Better Earth demonstrates a strong commitment to mission-driven growth and environmental stewardship. Their Climate Smart Farmer’s Fiber collection, made from native perennial grasses, supports rural economies, improves soil health, and sequesters carbon. Through partnerships and sustainable practices, Better Earth aims to make regenerative circularity achievable within the foodservice industry.
Essential Reads:
Circular Economy Initiative
The UNDP and Circular Innovation Lab launched a joint initiative to promote circular economy solutions to combat plastic pollution. The initiative fosters collaboration across sectors and emphasizes sustainable practices that create economic opportunities, protect ecosystems, and reduce waste. The gathering in Istanbul aimed to drive a shift towards renewable energy and inclusive policies.
Sustainable Cosmetics Innovation
Clean Food Group has partnered with THG LABS to transform food waste into sustainable, high-performance oils for the cosmetics industry. This collaboration aims to replace agriculturally intensive ingredients with bio-equivalents using innovative technology. By utilizing food waste, the partnership promotes eco-friendly and effective raw materials in beauty products.
Bioengineered Microorganisms Tackle Plastic Waste
Rice University researchers have developed bioengineered microorganisms using mussel-inspired adhesive properties to break down plastic waste. By enhancing bacterial adhesion and combining it with plastic-degrading enzymes, this innovation offers a new solution for addressing plastic pollution, particularly PET plastic, and biofouling in industries like shipping and healthcare.
Seafood Freshness Innovation
Green Iceberg's PicoICE? technology rapidly chills fish with ultra-small ice particles, enhancing seafood freshness and reducing food waste. This scalable, energy-efficient solution cuts bacterial growth and extends shelf life, offering the seafood industry a powerful tool to maintain cold chains, lower refrigeration costs, and reduce spoilage.
Suffolk AD Facility Revamp
Bio Capital and Adnams Brewery will modernize an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Reydon, Suffolk, to meet upcoming food waste regulations. The facility will convert organic waste into renewable energy, fuel Adnams' fleet, and power its brewery. This project supports Suffolk’s sustainability goals, reduces carbon emissions, and creates local jobs.
Tackling Food Waste in Saudi Arabia
UNDP Saudi Arabia and Green Circle co-hosted an event for International Food Loss and Waste Awareness Day, focusing on sustainable waste management and environmental solutions. The event showcased successful initiatives like agricultural waste recycling and biofuel production from cooking oils, promoting innovative approaches to sustainability and economic growth in Saudi Arabia.
Research Corner:
A study by Akka? and Gaur (2022) in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management focuses on the global issue of food waste, where nearly one-third of food produced is discarded. The paper outlines how the Operations Management field can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge, proposing a research agenda around five key themes: supply chain technology, logistics, incentives, business model innovation, and behavioral operations. This agenda offers valuable insights for both academia and practice.
The regenerative business practices and sustainability innovations highlighted in this week's Regenerative Insights directly tackle the critical issues of corporate responsibility and social equity explored in my recent book, The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profit and Socializes Cost .
Quick Takeaways: