Novel sustainable and circular business models valorizing fruit and vegetable waste and by-products
Résumé
In this chapter, circular business models valorizing fruit and vegetable losses, waste, and by-products are reviewed along the value chain. These business models aim to contribute to more sustainable agrifood systems by maintaining or creating new value via closing-loop approaches. Drivers and value creation strategies for fruit and vegetable waste towards new value propositions and new markets are studied. In total, 47 international business cases are analyzed regarding their business model elements and contribution to sustainable development, based on data collected via an online review of company websites. Results show that many product and service companies have emerged recently, mainly driven by the concern for the food waste problem within a larger sustainability and circular bioeconomy debate. The businesses principally target the highest added value via redistribution and upcycling strategies, or, if not feasible, recycling and recovering.