Developing capacity and research network on circular and Industry 4.0 driven sustainable solutions for reducing food waste in supply chains in Turkey (CE&I44FOODWASTE)

527884800

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food waste as “nutritious edible material, which is being discarded/lost or wasted along the food chain”. In Turkey, considering agri-food supply chain as a whole, the highest rate of loss is observed in agricultural production. The main causes of food losses in Turkey are structural problems, such as small and fragmented farms and poor levels of cooperation, lack of knowledge exchange of new agricultural practices poor temperature management, and inefficient processing, packaging and distribution. In the global food business, circular and Industry 4.0 based solutions have been highlighted as a way to improve process efficiency in supply chains, including manufacturing/packaging waste reduction in food processing, carbon footprint reduction and material and energy recovery in different stages of food supply chain.

The aim of the project is to build a strong research team involving academics in the UK and Turkey, through conducting research activities collaboratively focusing on reducing food waste through Industry 4.0 technologies and circular solutions in the food supply chain. The proposed approach in this project encompass research collaborations, student learning, knowledge transfer and publications, and a distance learning course through this research network.

This research network will improve research and innovation partnerships with stakeholders by enhancing their understanding and capacity. This project would also provide several benefits for actors within the supply chain, especially farmers and producers through knowledge exchange about circular and digital innovations (circularity and Industry 4.0 solutions) in agriculture to improve their skills and knowledge for reducing food loss/waste and improving overall production. This would help them in raising their economic and social welfare as well as ensuring a healthy and safe food for society.

CE&I44FOODWASTE

15/01/2020

15/01/2021

£37.060,20

£23.564,20

University of Plymouth – UK

Newton Fund Research Environment Links – British Council

COMPLETED

• Yaşar University
• Brunel University London – UK

Prof. Dr. Yiğit KAZANÇOĞLU