The increased generation of food waste is a global and national problem. The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors that influence food waste and the role of technology in tackling food waste in the Netherlands. One of the main findings of the research is food waste is that consumer food waste is mainly influenced by food passing expiry date, food that is left too long in the fridge and consumers buying too much food. In final household consumption, digital platforms and applications enable individuals to share and donate their food, thereby creating awareness on food waste prevention and the environmental benefits.
This publication follows and analysis the proces in the region Westerkwartier in the Netherlands in their effort to built a whole new regionale food chain. In this report there is a remarkeble role for the knowledge instutions on vocational and applied level.
Supply chains have inherent risk given the number of actors that interface. While there are some chains that have low frequencies of unfavorable events, many continuously face uncertainty. Food production has many uncertainties along the global supply chain. The global nature of the large logistical networks increases its complexity. Two main sources of uncertainty arise: External and internal to the SC. External factors mainly come from nature (such as "El Niño" phenomenon) and from human activities (such as food and nutrition policy and standards). Internal factors mainly come from operations such as a cold chain disruption. Thus, one needs to minimize risk and improve resilience in order to achieve food security and sustainability. It is then imperative that risk management practices be integrated into the supply chain design and management process. This chapter presents an overview of the main risks involved in global food supply chains, as well as some techniques for risk management.
De wereldbevolking groeit van 7 miljard nu naar 9 miljard in 2040. De productiegroei van voedsel loopt hierop flink achter. Uit onderzoek van de FAO in 2011 komt naar voren dat wereldwijd elk jaar 1,3 miljard ton voedsel verloren gaat, ruim een derde van de voedselproductie. Binnen de EU gooien we 20% van het totaal voor de EU inwoners geproduceerde voedsel weg, inclusief het onvermijdbare verlies. Dat komt neer op 173 kg per EU inwoner per jaar. Ongeveer de helft daarvan wordt weggegooid in de productieketen tot en met de supermarkt. Agri-food reststromen zijn te vinden bij de voedselindustrie, boeren, veilingen, supermarkten etc. Die worden momenteel laagwaardig verwerkt in diervoeder, compost, potgrond, vergisting etc. Hoogwaardig verwerken gebeurt zelden, bv via de Voedselbank of de Verspillingsfabriek (soepen etc.). Dit project heeft primair als doel om reststromen vanuit de food industrie hoogwaardig te verwaarden, met 3D food printing als primaire technologie. 3D food printing is in 2006 ontstaan en sinds 2016 in een stroomversnelling gekomen. (Michelin) chefs, chocolatiers, patissiers, fooddesigners en catering hebben deze nieuwe techniek nu omarmd. Vanuit de voedselindustrie is er ook veel belangstelling, met name voor industriële toepassing en voorgevulde cartridges. Daarmee kan het Nespresso businessmodel voor een doorbraak in 3Dfoodprinting zorgen, een goedkope 3Dprinter voor consumenten waarbij verdiend wordt aan de cartridges. Belangrijk dus om toepassingen te vinden die de mogelijkheden van 3D food printing voor verwaarding van reststromen volop benutten.
Our unilateral diet has resulted in a deficiency of specific elements/components needed for well-functioning of the human body. Especially the element magnesium is low in our processed food and results in neuronal and muscular malfunctioning, problems in bone heath/strength, and increased chances of diabetes, depression and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, it has also been recognized that magnesium plays an important role in cognitive functioning (impairment and enhancement), especially for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson disease, Alzheimer, etc). Recently, it has been reported that magnesium addition positively effects sleep and calmness (anti-stress). In order to increase the bioavailability of magnesium cations, organic acids such as citrate, glycerophosphate and glycinate are often used as counterions. However, the magnesium supplements that are currently on the market still suffer from low bio-availability and often do not enter the brain significantly.The preparation of dual/multiple ligands of magnesium in which the organic acid not only functions as a carrier but also has synergistically/complementary biological effects is widely unexplored and needs further development. As a result, there is a strong need for dual/multiple magnesium supplements that are non-toxic, stable, prepared via an economically and ecologically attractive route, resulting in high bioavailability of magnesium in vivo, preferably positively influencing cognition/concentration
Size measurement plays an essential role for micro-/nanoparticle characterization and property evaluation. Due to high costs, complex operation or resolution limit, conventional characterization techniques cannot satisfy the growing demand of routine size measurements in various industry sectors and research departments, e.g., pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and food industry etc. Together with start-up SeeNano and other partners, we will develop a portable compact device to measure particle size based on particle-impact electrochemical sensing technology. The main task in this project is to extend the measurement range for particles with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 20 um and to validate this technology with realistic samples from various application areas. In this project a new electrode chip will be designed and fabricated. It will result in a workable prototype including new UMEs (ultra-micro electrode), showing that particle sizing can be achieved on a compact portable device with full measuring range. Following experimental testing with calibrated particles, a reliable calibration model will be built up for full range measurement. In a further step, samples from partners or potential customers will be tested on the device to evaluate the application feasibility. The results will be validated by high-resolution and mainstream sizing techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Coulter counter.
