1. “Enhancing the contribution of the agri-food value chain to the Circular Economy”
Brussels, 10 October 2017 1

2. Circular Economy
A sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy is a global priority
To be achieved with a more circular economy where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible and the generation of waste is minimized
From lineal to circular - an attractive and interesting alternative that sectors have already started exploring
The circular economy will:
Boost the EU’s competitiveness
Create new business opportunities
Develop more efficient ways of producing and consuming

3. Circular Economy Task Force
Why a task force?
The Members of the Food SCP Round Table:
recognise the importance of the CE for the agri-food value chain across Europe
are fully committed to facilitate this transition towards more resource efficiency and use of secondary raw materials
The purpose of our deliverable will be:
to explain what the Circular Economy means for the value food chain showing examples
to identify barriers and challenges
to further boost the circular economy in the sector and;
to formulate recommendations both for the sector operators and policy makers

4. Participants to the task force
Landmark Europe
PARTICIPANTS:
ECPA
FEFAC
Fertilizers Europe
Copa and Cogeca
FoodDrinkEurope
PFP
ACE
EUROPEN
FEVE
FPE
EXPRA
FAO
European Commission
Dutch Ministry of Economy
Landmark Europe

5. Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction and General Messages
Success stories: how is the Circular Economy implemented in the sector?
1. Suppliers to agriculture
2. Farmers and agri-cooperatives
3. Food and drink industries
4. Packaging
5. End-of-life
How to further boost the circular economy in the agri-food value chain
1. Horizontal barriers and obstacles identified
2. Policy recommendations
Conclusion
Leaflet of the FOOD SCP Roundtable “Enhancing the contribution of the Agri-Food value chain to the Circular Economy”
Presentation of the leaflet foreseen during the next Plenary Session
Table of contents:
Introduction and general messages
Success stories: how is the Circular Economy implemented in the sector?
Suppliers to agriculture, farmers and agri-coops, food and drink industries, packaging, end of life
Reflection for today!
How to further boost the circular economy in the agri-food value chain?
Horizontal barriers and obstacles identified
Policy recommendations

6. Main aspects considered during our work
Need to work more on communication and raise awareness on the contribution of our sectors:
To develop what this concept means for our sectors
To present concrete examples of how Circular Economy is implemented
To develop a broad view covering the whole chain
Need to develop a holistic approach
Need to further enhance resource efficiency
Need to support a market oriented approach
Need to promote new business models
Need to support and enhance innovation
Important to identify possible barriers

7. Key issues where the food chain can make a difference
Strengthening a classic concept in the agri-food value chain
Fostering the circular approach by enhancing productivity, while making efficient use of available natural resources brings many benefits
The circular economy is about optimising production and consumption systems and not only about reducing waste
Any action from our sector to move towards a circular economy must not be at the expense of food safety and quality

8. Key issues where the food chain can make a difference
An opportunity to enhance our innovation and competitiveness by creating new business models
A focus on optimisation and reuse of resources allows new business models to emerge and enhance the competitiveness of the EU agri-food value chain
The CE is a real opportunity to develop and efficiently manage alternative processes and products as well as gain access to new markets
It works effectively at every scale
Research and innovation boost the circular approach by generating new ideas and by scaling up existing ones

9. Key issues where the food chain can make a difference
Circular economy: An opportunity to further prevent and reduce food wastage
Preventing avoidable food losses and food waste at all stages of the supply chain is a key priority for the members of the Food SCP Round Table and forms an important part of delivering a Circular Economy
RT members are actively working to reduce food losses and waste in their operations and along the food chain most effectively through innovative supply chain partnerships
Moving forward the food supply chain has and continues to call for, amongst others; a supply chain approach, the need for a measurement framework, raising awareness of information to consumers and of food redistribution channels

10. Key issues where the food chain can make a difference
Circular economy: Promoting continuous improvement of the environmental performance of food and drink products
Environmental assessment tools, such as Life Cycle Analysis, play a crucial role increasing the efficiency of resources along the supply chain
The agri-food value chain invested in finding ways to streamline, harmonise and simplify eco-design and life cycle assessment for food and drink products, such as the ENVIFOOD Protocol, developed, tested and validated by the European Food SCP Round Table