A circular economy could reduce greenhouse gases by 39%
Greenhouse gas emissions are directly linked to the way we extract, produce and consume resources. The Circularity Gap Report tells us that by doubling global circularity, by 2032 we could reduce global emissions by 39% and reduce our material footprint by 28%. This could ensure that we keep below a 2 oC temperature rise.
Many businesses and industries are already leading the way, using circular business models to save money, improve efficiency, and open up new market opportunities.
Some ways that businesses are unlocking circular economic opportunity are:
- Designing products for a longer life
- Using recycled material
- Recovering and refurbishing used products
- Repurposing and selling waste materials
Circular food businesses make the most out of food, reducing food waste and finding value in creating new products out of food by-products.
Know the lingo!
Upcycling / Creative Reuse:
The process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products perceived to be of greater quality, such as artistic value or environmental value.
Upcycled Food:
Made with ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, and are sourced and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment.
Upcycled Certified:
Soon, consumers will be able to identify products that contain upcycled ingredients with ease. Click here to learn more about Upcycled food product certification.
Support circular businesses
Supporting local businesses that are innovating with upcycled ingredients is an important way you can support the circular food economy.
Circular businesses are popping up everywhere but here you can check out what some local circular food businesses are cooking up:
Beck’s Broth – Beck’s Broth is owned by a recent graduate of holistic nutrition who is looking to innovate and create more awareness surrounding the benefits of bone broth. Our focus is providing a drink rich in delicious nourishment to our neighbours in the community, while practicing sustainability measures and
supporting local farmers and businesses.
Winterhill Farm and Garden – A regenerative local farm specializing in organic vegetables, pastured chickens, pastured eggs, pastured beef and sustainable sawmill
Quinta Local Superfoods Inc.
Superfood company implementing circular economy principles by growing and supplying 100% Canadian High Nutrient Quinoa to stores, and communities in need, while reducing emissions and implementing sustainable packaging alternatives.
Escarpment Laboratories is a Canadian yeast lab offering a wide range of liquid yeast cultures for craft brewers and homebrewers. Escarpment Labs strives to provide brewers with accurate quantities of fresh, high-quality yeast for optimal fermentation.
Green Table Foods manufactures plant-based, certified organic probiotic foods using farm-direct ingredients. We supply the retail and food service markets through a network of nation-wide distribution partners. Our 12-product lineup has received awards for innovation, and we private label for in-store grocery brands.
Fill It Forward creates interactive technologies, global giving initiatives, and reusable products that inspire the world to reuse.
Friendlier is a company on a mission to make reusable packaging the default food packaging. We supply food service businesses with reusable takeout packaging and use our app to return your deposits.
Groceries from the SEED food project at the Guelph Community Health Centre. Our goal is to work with others to make Guelph-Wellington one of the first communities in Canada where everyone has access to nutritious food. We operate social enterprises and health programs to achieve this goal.
Saputo Dairy produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products, and dairy ingredients. Saputo is one of the top ten dairy processors in the world, a leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor in Canada.