Horticultural waste becomes raw material

The horticultural sector produces large quantities of 'green waste', such as stems and leaves, as well as unmarketable fruit and vegetables. These residuals normally are thrown away, composted or converted into green biogas.

Commercial initiatives and research projects shows also higher valued applications are possible with these residuals; It can be used for producing materials like cardboard, use it for feed or food or even for fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals.

Sharing good examples

This interactive platform aims to facilitate the sharing of good examples online, including background information. You can search for innovative applications as well add new examples yourself. The more examples we gather on the platform the better we can stimulate circularity and a biobased development.

Win-win

The use of green horticultural residuals for new applications is positive for the environment, for combating climate change and minimalises food waste.

A high-quality use of these residual flows can also lead to additional income for the horticultural sector and to new business and businesses.

Great potential

Globally one third of the food produced is currently wasted. About half of it when growing crops. Fruit and vegetables are discarded by overproduction or for a different size or shape. In addition, there are large waste streams of leaves and stems.

More and more is being done to avoid wastage, but the residual flow from horticulture will always remain very large. So there is a huge potential of raw materials available for innovative applications.

Search on our platform, get inspired, find experts, realise your own innovations and valorise your potential!