They say one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
Organic waste management is currently a significant cost to the Top of the South community and could be reduced by embracing a multi-sector collaborative upcycling strategy across the region, according to a recent study.
An organic waste mapping study jointly funded by MRC and Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) found that total volumes in the Top of the South are in excess of 700,000 tons per year.
“This study gives us a comprehensive inventory of the available biological waste stream resources and is a valuable starting point from which to develop regional strategies and business opportunities to reduce and upcycle waste,” says MRC’s Chief Executive Gerald Hope.
Fresh weight tonnage (kT = kilotonne) and waste types produced in four regional zones surveyed in the Top of the South. Source: Top of the South Waste Mapping Report.
“We now have a comprehensive inventory of the available bio-resources (waste streams) which is a valuable starting point from which to develop regional strategies and multi-sector business opportunities to reduce and upcycle waste,” says MRC’s Chief executive Gerald Hope.
The study was overseen by Plant & Food Research.
“The study covered the Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman regions and its purpose was to identify what organic material the Top of the South can offer bioconversion technologies” says Project Sponsor Dr Damian Martin, Science Group Leader - Viticulture & Oenology, Plant & Food Research, who is based at MRC’s Budge Street campus. “The conclusions of the report are promising with respect to the opportunity for an insect bioconversion project in the Top of the South.”
A report on the findings and opportunities is now available, detailing information that will assist the region to develop cradle-to-cradle strategies for bio-waste reuse and potential upcycling.
Bio-waste and insect bioconversion technology specialist John Macdonald from Food Security Solutions Ltd undertook the survey. Food Security Solutions Ltd is already managing upcycling projects based on insect bioconversion technology, both globally and within New Zealand.
Results from this waste mapping process suggest that the Top of the South has sufficient volumes and mix of organic material to support such a project, subject to further detailed technical studies. If successfully implemented, insect bioconversion technology could produce aquafeeds, pet foods and fertilisers - all with specific functional benefits - that would enhance the Top of the South circular economy.
“This study has uncovered interest and enthusiasm within the Top of the South business community to sustainably address their waste management challenges” says Dr Martin. “Companies find it difficult to upcycle waste on their own and it is recognised that these challenges require a multi-sector approach to enable adoption of viable industrial solutions.”
To learn more about the study please follow this link to MRC’s project report section.