A circular economy is an economic model that keeps materials and products in use for as long as possible, minimising waste through reuse, recycling and recovery, and is relevant to food processing through by-product valorisation.
In trade practice
In food processing, circular economy principles appear when pomace, hulls, trimmings and other co-products are redirected into ingredients, animal feed or energy rather than disposed of as waste. Suppliers may document by-product flows as part of environmental or sustainability audits. Buyers sourcing dried fruit or oils sometimes request information on how processing waste is managed as part of supplier qualification.
In a specification
A supplier environmental questionnaire or sustainability annex may require disclosure of by-product volumes, their end use and any certifications covering waste recovery or energy generation from processing residues.