Aim:

In this cluster we are contributing to new methods of analysing food processing waste and the development of novel, economically feasible methods of upgrading waste to increase its value. This Cluster also exists as a web-based format known as the "Food Chain Sustainability Special Interest Group" and the website can now be accessed via the following link: http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste

Who Attends?

Although the results will be widely applicable, they are likely to be of particular interest to producers of plant based materials i.e. fruit, vegetables, cereals, either as the raw material or related derivatives.

The Cluster will be of particular interest to managers wishing to reduce their waste disposal costs (particularly in the light of recent and forthcoming legislation) or even to turn a waste stream into an income stream.

Rationale:

We are combining the practical experience of the Industrial Cluster members with the fundamental research knowledge of IFR and collaborating centres of excellence to give new insights allowing:

• Identification of economically interesting quantities of materials containing accessible and valuable components
• Setting up of guidelines for the identification of useful components and the quantities available
• Identification of areas of particular interest and the availability of grant funding (environmental impact)

Skills Base:

Many of the skills underlying this Cluster have derived from IFR's long experience of understanding the structural aspects of plants, and the way in which these affect quality attributes such as texture.

Examples of skills available to this cluster are:

• Biomass exploitation
• Steam explosion potential
• Life cycle assessment/carbon footprinting
• Large scale bioreactors
• Chemical modification of plant derived waste

The knowledge gained from these studies now enables us to develop novel means (physical, chemical and biochemical) to recover potentially useful components from food industry waste.

Cluster Activities:

This cluster has held a number of Events and has organised and hosted the Total Food Conferences in 2007 and 2009. Has interaction with interested parties via it's associated website "Food Chain Sustainability Special Interest Group": http://www.ifr.ac.uk/waste

Meeting/Event Proceedings:

Cluster Meeting/Event proceedings are available on the secure Members' only area of the FHN Website: fhnetwork.wikispaces.com