EU-backed project harnesses the potential of food waste

York, UK- Scientists at the University of York are leading a major EU-backed network that is exploring ways of using waste as an alternative carbon source.

York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, which launched the Biowaste Industrial Symbiosis Network at a Technology Fair in Santa Clara, California, has won a European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) grant to run the network.

The network which is being coordinated by PhD student Lucie Pfaltzgraff, involves engineers, chemists, biotechnologists and food technologists from academia and industry working on novel strategies to use food waste to provide new, sustainable, functional feedstocks.

We want to bring about a critical mass of researchers and stakeholders to harness the potential of food supply chain waste as an alternative carbon source

It aims to develop the valorisation of food supply chain waste as an alternative carbon source for bio-chemicals, bio-materials and bio-fuels by forging links between technology hubs across the world.

The network is already studying the potential of reuse of citrus residue and coffee waste as well as pea pods and cashew shells. 

Professor James Clark, the Director of the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, said: “We want to bring about a critical mass of researchers and stakeholders to harness the potential of food supply chain waste as an alternative carbon source to produce commercially viable chemical commodities. 

“As well as harnessing skills and expertise that cross scientific borders, covering biology, chemistry, biotechnology and food science and technology, the network will include experts in environmental and economic assessment.”

Its membership includes industry and academic institutions from China, UK, Spain, France, Greece, Finland, Cyprus, Vietnam, Italy, Germany and Brazil.

The BIS network is currently seeking new members from academia, industry, government, NGOs and other organisations with varied scientific backgrounds in any country, who share a common interest in food supply chain valorisation.