The Circular Economy Show Podcast How are small start-ups, SMEs, and large corporations working together to change the food system?
May 6, 2025
Chloe Stewart, who works at Nibs etc, specializes in upcycled ingredients to combat food waste, joins Katie Carson from Tetra Pak to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable food system. They delve into the transformative role of upcycled ingredients in creating new food products. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by startups and SMEs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with larger corporations. Insights on how to scale sustainable practices while viewing food waste as a valuable resource are also shared.
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What is Upcycling Food?
- Upcycling turns food byproducts, usually discarded, into higher-value new products.
- This process enhances value within the existing food system by creatively reusing secondary ingredients.
Nibs Etc's Upcycling Journey
- Nibs Etc entered the Big Food Redesign Challenge to scale up and build brand awareness.
- Their mission to eliminate food waste has been ongoing since 2018 and evolved through pre-, during, and post-COVID phases.
Challenges for Upcycling Startups
- Small businesses face high costs and supply chain challenges when sourcing upcycled ingredients.
- Larger companies may resist process changes needed for upcycling due to efficiency and cost constraints.