The authors introduce a matrix that categorises technologies based on net market and spillover benefits (environmental and social gains). Three case studies illustrate this framework: low-opportunity cost feeds in Dutch egg production, biodigesters on Uruguayan dairy farms, and bone-char fertiliser production in Ethiopia. The study highlights the potential of circular technologies to enhance food system sustainability by repurposing waste streams while addressing economic feasibility and social acceptance.
The study underscores the connection between circular technologies and environmental sustainability, emphasising their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and pollution. By prioritising the reuse of agricultural by-products and reducing dependency on finite resources, circular food systems can lower land use, mitigate nutrient runoff, and enhance energy efficiency. The study's case analysis demonstrate that these technologies contribute to sustainability goals, such as reducing food loss, improving waste management, and enhancing soil health. The authors argue that integrating circularity principles into food production is essential for maintaining environmental limits while sustaining global food demand.
The framework provides a structured approach for practical implementation for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to prioritise investments in circular technologies. The matrix helps stakeholders identify technologies with high potential adoption by assessing economic viability and environmental and social benefits. Case studies show that industry collaborations, supportive policies, and financial incentives can accelerate the adoption of circular practices. The authors emphasise that tailored regulatory frameworks, subsidies, and research funding are necessary to scale these technologies, ensuring that circular food systems become a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development.
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