Reviving Food Resources: Exploring New Horizons in Upcycled Food Production
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - Jordbruk och livsmedel |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 964 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - May 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
Concrete outcomes were: A framework/methodology for mapping barriers, challenges& needs; An indicative analysis on Swedish food companies views on upcycling; Recommendations for future work;Expanded national and international network; A research proposal and A conference contribution. The project also shows that there is technical potential and motivation to develop upcycled foods, but also a need for systematic support to deal with practical, business and structural obstacles.
Expected long term effects
Upcycling is a rapidly growing research field. This project has enhanced understanding of how to systematically address challenges and opportunities together with food chain actors. It aligns with Sweden’s food strategy and EU’s focus on food waste reduction and circular food systems. Based on the results from this project we are better equipped to continue supporting the Swedish actors in building a sustainable and resilient food system in collaboration with industry and academy.
Approach and implementation
The project aim was to identify the needs, barriers, and opportunities for Swedish food sector actors to engage in upcycled food production. The project consisted of five main phases: Data collection through desktop – research & interviews; Survey distribution to food system stakeholders targeting food processors; Survey analysis and development of solutions proposals; Interactive stakeholder workshop on the findings from the survey and Reporting and dissemination of final results.