食品行业循环经济信任构建白皮书

Contents04050103Global consumer survey findingsTrust in the circular economyCircularity inthe food sectorAppendix-Recommendations, tools andsolutionsCase studies and tipping pointanalysis0602Introduction A circular approach is an opportunity to rethink how weproduce, process, distribute, and consume food. Thismatters because with one-third of all food producedglobally currently going to waste, and much of it endingup in landfills, the environmental, economic and socialcosts of the linear economy are significant.At its core, a circular food system aims to design outwaste, keep resources in use for as long as possible, andregenerate natural systems. This could meanrepurposing surplus food, turning by-products into newingredients, or using organic waste to create compost orbioenergy. It also involves redesigning packaging forreuse or recyclability or shortening supply chains toreduce spoilage.01-Introduction Moving toward circularity isn’t without challenges. Fragmentedsupply chains, limited infrastructure for waste collection andprocessing, and consumer awareness remain major hurdles.Packaging is another significant complication-especially inbalancing food safety, shelf life, and sustainability. Manymaterials used for this are complex and not easily recyclable,and compostable alternatives are not always supported byexisting waste systems.Nevertheless, we are seeing encouraging progress–start-upsinnovating in upcycled foods, retailers offering aestheticallymishappen produce, and policy shifts supporting food recovery.Some brands are also piloting reusable packaging models, usingmono-material designs to improve recyclability and usingseaweed-based packagingAbove all, I believe building trust by being transparent,prioritizing independent verification, collaborating across thevalue chain, and really engaging consumers is key. If we tacklethese challenges together and collaborate across the wholevalue chain, I truly believe we can make a circular food systemthe new normal, not just the exception.Titi Susanti, BSI Global Director-Consumer, Retail &Food Our current dominant economic model operates on a lineartrajectory: extract resources from the earth, manufacture products,use them–often briefly–and then discard them as waste.This linear ‘take-make-waste’ system, fuelled by the assumption ofabundant resources and limitless disposal capacity,is increasinglyrevealing its inherent flaws. According to theUNEP, global materialconsumption has more than tripled since 1970, and continues to rise.At the same time, global waste generation is also on an upwardtrajectory. TheWorld Bankestimates that global municipal solidwaste generation will increase by 70% by 2050 if trends continue.According to estimates in the2024 Circularity Gap Report, the globaleconomy is only 8.6% circular; a slight decrease from 9.1% in 2018.The unsustainability of this linear path is no longer a distant concern–it is a present reality demanding a fundamental shift in thinking.02-Trust in thecircular economy86%globally think circularity should be apriority for business and governments inaddressing environmental challenges The circular economy (CE) offers a compelling and necessary alternative. Itrepresents a systemic shift towards an economy that is intentionallydesigned to be restorative and regenerative. While the economic andenvironmental logic of the CE is compelling, its successful widespreadadoption hinges on a less tangible but equally critical factor: trust.A transition to circular models requires significant shifts–not onlyconsumer behavioural change, but also expectations from all participantsin the economy. Business must embrace new operational models, investin reverse logistics, redesign products, and often collaborate more deeplywith partners across the value chain. Consumers, in turn, are asked toengage differently–accepting refurbished goods, participating actively intake-back or return schemes, opting for product-as-a-service models overownership, and potentially altering long-standing consumption habits.Trust in the CE is the result of deliberate, consistent actions and verifiedcommitments. Building trust requires acknowledging and addressingseveral barriers that currently impede progress. However, thesechallenges also present opportunities for businesses willing to lead theway. By building trust in the CE for businesses and consumers, we canaccelerate progress towards a tipping point whereby a circular approachbecomes the go-to.56%of people said a lack of trust in qualitymight prevent them from buying or usingcircular products 03-Circularity in thefood sectorThe global food system is a significant contributor to environmentalpressures, from greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss tofreshwater depletion and soil degradation.Estimates suggest foodproduction is responsible for over a third of global emissions, drivenby agricultural practices, land use change and energy-intensivesupply chains. Yet, despite these impacts, inef