Benefits and challenges of the circular animal protein chain
The circular processing of residual streams from the food chain into animal feed has many advantages. However, to realize this and to close the circular chain also presents challenges.
Benefits:
Valuable raw materials with nutritional value remain circular in the food chain.
The CO2 footprint of animal feed is reduced, and thereby the CO2 footprint of meat, milk, and eggs.
Less pressure on natural resources, water, land, and energy.
Reduced dependence on the global raw materials market.
Residual streams replace ingredients in animal feed (such as grain and corn), allowing those ingredients to be used for human consumption.
Challenges:
Strict legislation and regulations regarding food safety in the Netherlands and the EU.
The development of innovative new techniques is necessary for the proper processing of residual streams. Testing these takes time and financial investments.
The development of new circular business models requires collaboration within the supply chain.
High EU targets for biomethane create competition for residual streams.
Developing an understanding that utilizing residual streams as feed is better than converting them into biogas.