One of the most promising developments from our recent WASTELESS webinars is the progress made in valorisation—turning “unavoidable waste” or side-streams into valuable food and feed ingredients.
In Work Package 5, WIISE has worked alongside consortium partners to identify the regulatory pathways for upcycling. We recognize that moving from a by-product to a new ingredient involves navigating a complex web of EU food safety laws, including Novel Food status and feed hygiene standards.
To support this, WIISE has helped develop Safety Protocols and Regulatory Criteria that serve as a roadmap for innovation. We also share these insights through our dissemination platforms, such as foodtimes.eu, to help the wider agribusiness sector view “waste” as a potential resource. Our aim is to provide the legal certainty that allows companies to explore circular business models safely and effectively.
Key Takeaway: Upcycling is a cornerstone of a circular food system. By clarifying the legal requirements, we can help turn environmental challenges into sustainable economic opportunities.
