How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector make meaningful use of their food waste? This question was at the heart of an international project led by FH Salzburg, which combined technological and creative solutions to promote the circular economy. The results were recently presented at a high-profile event.
On October 23, 2025, FH Salzburg, together with partners from three EU-funded projects, hosted the event “Circular Solutions in Textile & Food: Bridging Sectors, Borders and Strategies” at the Great University Aula in Salzburg. The event brought together representatives from SMEs, politics, NGOs, universities, and civil society to discuss cross-sector best practices, challenges, and success factors in the circular economy.
The focus was on innovative approaches to utilizing food surpluses—such as jams made from excess fruit, cosmetics from apple residues, or beer brewed from bread that would otherwise have been discarded. FH Salzburg also presented digital decision-support systems designed to help companies make their processes more sustainable.
A special highlight was the cross-industry panel discussion, which explored political strategies and cross-border cooperation. During the subsequent “Circular Tasting & Testing”, guests had the opportunity to sample products created through circular processes and engage directly with the developers.
The event marked the official conclusion of the Interreg Alpine Space project CEFoodCycle and underscored FH Salzburg’s role as a driving force for sustainable transformation in the region and beyond.
Further information is available here:
CEFoodCycle: Mapping Food Streams and Identifying Potentials to Close the Food Cycle | Forschung am Department | FH Salzburg
Circular Food Hub | Forschung am Department | FH Salzburg
Kosmetik aus Apfelresten und Bier aus Brot, das keiner wollte – DiePresse.com