The food industry is facing one of the greatest challenges in its history: producing more food for a growing global population without compromising the planet’s resources. In this context, sustainability has become a strategic priority, requiring the transformation of production, processing and distribution models towards more efficient, circular and decarbonised approaches. Research centres such as AZTI, part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), play a key role in this process by driving science- and technology-based solutions to advance towards a more environmentally responsible food industry.
One of the pillars of this transformation is the circular economy, a model that seeks to maintain the value of resources for as long as possible, minimising waste and optimising their use. In the food sector, this involves rethinking the entire value chain—from production to consumption—to reduce losses, improve process efficiency and reintroduce materials and by-products into new production cycles.
AZTI works on developing strategies, solutions and technologies to help companies in the sector move forward in this transition. Through R&D projects, the centre investigates how to reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes, improve production and energy efficiency, and optimise the use of resources such as water and raw materials. These initiatives also contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector by enhancing eco-efficiency and reducing emissions, losses and food waste.
Within this approach, the valorisation of food by-products has emerged as one of the most promising solution pathways. Food processing generates fractions that do not reach the final product—such as trimmings, discards or co-products—but which still retain high nutritional and functional potential. Projects developed by AZTI demonstrate that these materials can be transformed into new raw materials for producing ingredients, feed, biomaterials or bioenergy, creating economic value while reducing waste and lowering dependence on conventional raw materials in a context of increasing pressure on resources.
By applying the principles of the circular economy, what was once considered waste can be transformed into an opportunity for innovation and competitiveness. AZTI has promoted examples such as the use of grape by-products through biorefinery solutions with industrial and food applications; the recovery of underutilised fractions from seafood processing to obtain high value-added ingredients; or the reuse of spent coffee grounds for animal feed.
In the latter case, feed has been developed incorporating between 10% and 15% spent coffee grounds as an ingredient, making it possible not only to valorise a by-product but also to obtain high-quality feed. Trials have shown positive results both in milk production and milk quality, as well as a reduction in methane emissions of up to 20%.
The combination of circular economy, technological innovation and resource valorisation will enable the development of more resilient and efficient food systems. Along this path, collaboration between technology centres, companies and public administrations will be key to accelerating the transition towards a truly sustainable model.
This article was originally published in Estrategia Empresarial.
