Promoter organisation: PeelPioneers
Country: Netherlands
What:
The PeelPioneers is the first company in the world to use citrus peel to create new raw materials. The peels are left over for making fresh juice, collected from supermarkets at the catering industry. PeelPioneers working with Renewi, uses the peel to create dietary fiber antioxidants, orangeade and orange oil all of which are used in food, cosmetics and cleaning products. The pulp is sent to farmers for animal feed. Renewi is responsible for separate collection and transport, while PeelPioneer covers the specialist processing.
How:
Constant research is taking place in the organization’s innovation lab where constant research is taking place of how to obtain more value from the peels. As a result of that research the Finix citrus fiber was launched which provides firmness, structrure and the right mouthfeel to, for example, meet substitutes and muffins. By using the ingredients derived from the orange peel an array of new products can be created ranging from food stuff, personal care products, house cleaning products and in a number of other applications.
When: 2016
Why it is relevant:
- Reformulation of food products
- Reduction of environmental footprint and energy consumption
- Shape of the food market and influence consumes’ dietary choices
- Paving the way for the creation od sustainable food options for animal and human consumption.
- Clear business case- “ where others see waste we see raw materials”
Target Groups:
Retailers, consumers, food processors, Process waste companies
RESULTS OF THE GOOD PRACTICE
- The Netherland produces about 250 million kilograms of citrus peel a year as a byproduct of making fresh juice, and this peel has potential for reuse.
- Renewi has 34 vehicles that are currently used to pick up this organic waste from customers
- During the production process, 100% of the peel is reused as a new circular ingredient