A new report from the nonprofit ReFED, developed with technical leadership from The Centre for Feed Innovation, offers a comprehensive review of technologies that convert food waste into animal feed. Titled “Closing the Loop: Evaluating Food Waste-to-Feed Pathways for a Circular Food System,” the analysis assesses eight different pathways to guide capital providers and food businesses toward the most viable and impactful solutions.

The report acknowledges that while food waste prevention and rescue are priorities, some surplus is inevitable. Utilizing this surplus for animal nutrition is a widely used recycling method, with 11.4% of surplus food in the U.S. being repurposed for this use in 2024. The publication aims to identify which technologies are gaining commercial traction and present the greatest opportunities for creating a circular food system.

Among the pathways evaluated, the report provides deep dives into four innovative approaches: single-cell proteins, insect farming, swill feeding, and biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More feed additives. Biochar is presented as a small but compelling niche with significant potential. The report notes its ability to reduce methane emissions in livestock, recycle valuable nutrients, and generate carbon credits, offering both environmental and financial benefits. To realize its full potential, the report suggests that challenges such as lowering production costs, resolving questions about technical performance, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks must be addressed.

The overarching conclusion is that while no single technology offers a universal solution, the collective pathways present meaningful opportunities to cut disposal costs, improve resource efficiency, and displace carbon-intensive feed ingredients. The report serves as a resource for businesses and funders to compare the production processes, commercial readiness, and environmental footprints of each approach, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with their operational or investment goals.

SOURCE: New ReFED Report Offers Insights on Most Fundable Solutions in Food Waste-To-Feed