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The Waste 2 Worth (W2W) project, funded under the ERASMUS+ initiative, aimed at addressing the critical issue of food waste within the European Union. This innovative project centres on demonstrating the value of food waste streams, in combating climate change as well as promoting and fostering the development of circular and bio-economies across Europe…
W2W aims to catalyse change, by providing the tools and knowledge to VET educators and SMEs in the agri-food and food sectors, enabling them to significantly reduce food waste, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system in Europe. W2W will provide an opportunity for VET learners in the food sector to develop their waste stream management and mapping competencies and deepen their knowledge about waste valorisation. We then bring learners/SMEs on a pathway to potential innovation and circular / bioeconomy development opportunities on how to reduce waste and turn it into a valuable resource.
To be equipped with new and innovative content that supports the training of SMEs and local food communities.
To evolve as key players in Europe’s food future, embracing sustainability and waste valorisation.
To integrate sustainable practices into traditional food production and engage in circular economic models.
To facilitate the adoption of sustainable farming and food production methods under the EU Farm to Fork Strategy.
A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. This model is designed to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and designing waste out of the system.
"A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design. Instead of 'end-of-life' for products, we consider 'end-of-use', which becomes the starting point for further value creation."
Unlike in a traditional linear economy, where raw materials are extracted, used, and then discarded as waste, the circular economy emphasises reusing, sharing, repairing, refurbishing, remanufacturing, and recycling or repurposing existing materials and products as long as possible. This approach helps to extend the lifecycle of products, reduce waste, improve the efficient use of resources, and decrease environmental impacts. By promoting a closed-loop system, a circular economy aims to create a more sustainable and resilient economy.
"Waste equals food. Whether it's food for the soil or for the system, it should be food for something else. There's no such thing as 'away'. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere."
The EU faces significant challenges with food waste, estimated at around 88 million tonnes annually, contributing to both economic losses and environmental damage, including climate change through methane emissions. This project seeks to transform food waste from a problem into an opportunity—promoting sustainable food production and consumption practices that align with the EU’s environmental objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals…in particular SDG 12.
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) is focused on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. It is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The goal addresses the need for a more efficient use of the world’s resources, reduction of global waste, and mitigation of environmental impacts from production and consumption processes.
Relevant to the Waste 2 Worth project…some KEY ASPECTS of SDG 12 include:
Waste 2 Worth represents an important first innovation opportunity to develop inspiration and expertise in responding to the challenge of FOOD WASTE. It addresses the needs of food SMEs and Agri-food actors and is a vital step towards building CIRCULAR COMMUNITIES
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The author is solely responsible for this publication (communication) and the Commission accepts no responsibility for any use may be made of the information contained therein. In compliance of the new GDPR framework, please note that the Partnership will only process your personal data in the sole interest and purpose of the project and without any prejudice to your rights.
Fondazione Luigi Clerici (FLC) (Italy) is a private non-profit VET organization, established in 1972 which operates in Italy with its 30 branches by providing training services for people, companies and social organisations. Its aims are: contributing to social and professional inclusion in the labour market and promoting training courses according to the current needs of the labour market. FLC has 7 VET centres in which it offers training courses for the catering sector and 2 VET centres in which it offers training courses for the Pastry and Bakery Sector. Being aware of the huge amounts of food waste, which is being created in Italy and Europe, FLC aims at introducing knowledge and competences about food waste management within its training course. Therefore, W2W is of specific interest.
Key skills: She has experience in the management of European project and has knowledge with regards to the EU environment and its partner organizations. Furthermore, she is responsible for the Erasmus + Mobility Projects.
Key skills: She has experience in the management and implementation of national, international and European projects regarding education, lifelong learning and research. Furthermore, she has experience in designing, organizing and coordinating of training courses and in developing e-learning material for adult learners.
CDEA has led the way in vocational training in Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, since 1978 and delivers HOSPITALITY, TOURISM & HEALTH courses in three areas: in-service, initial and adult vocational training. Our broad range of courses brings them into daily contact with the business community which enables them to adapt to the ever-changing skill needs. CDEA aims to contribute to the continuous improvement and development of tourism and hospitality sectors by preparing and training the professionals of the future.
As a VET provider CDEA recognizes the value of training future leaders in the food sector in their role as changemakers and we strongly encourage innovative thinking. Through the accomplishment of this project we will provide tailored support for four SMEs partners, stakeholders & regional/agricultural agencies to increase awareness of the impact of the food waste on the environment and economy and on how we can better use food waste to create worth and economic gain.