New national Danish strategy for circular economy

With EUR 16 million divided between 15 initiatives, the Danish government now accelerates the transition towards a more sustainable society, where materials and products are recirculated, used for their full potential and waste is minimised; an area within the Danish food cluster where we are already excelling.

The increasing pressure on the earth’s natural resources means that we must rethink our ways of producing and consuming. There is a need for the world to shift into a more circular economy and the purpose of the new national Danish strategy for circular economy is to help Danish companies to accelerate their circular progress.

The Danish food cluster is already embracing the mindset of a circular economy in their food production and is taking responsibility for a sustainable future. By close collaboration within the food value chain and a constant focus on the utilization of resources, the Danish food arena is a frontrunner within sustainable food production which includes circular economy and reduction of food loss.

Initiatives to showcase from the Danish food cluster is, e.g. the local collaboration established between the biscuit manufacturer, Bisca, and their close-door neighbour – Møn Brewery, where a by-product from the beer production is reused as an ingredient in biscuits. Another example is from Novozymes who has developed enzymes that pave the way for better baking and at the same time reduces food waste.

Take-aways from the new strategy includes:

• Strengthen the companies as the motivating force for the circular transition
• Support the circular economy through data and digitalisation
• Enhance the circular economy through design
• Change consumption patterns through circular economy
• Create a well-functioning market for waste and reused goods

See the strategy for circular economy here (in Danish)

Source: The Danish Ministry of Environment and Food