ADAFSA, Spinneys, And Circa Biotech Boost Food Waste Reduction In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Spinneys, and Circa Biotech have expanded their partnership to tackle food waste and promote sustainable agriculture. They aim to convert surplus food into agricultural feed using black soldier fly larvae.

During a six-month trial at select Abu Dhabi stores, Spinneys reduced landfill food waste by 54 percent. Instead of being discarded, the waste was sent to Circa Biotech, where it was transformed into protein-rich animal feed, organic fertilisers, and biofuel.

The partnership will now extend to all Spinneys stores in Abu Dhabi. This initiative will divert food waste to Circa Biotech's facility, addressing food waste issues and creating sustainable resource management opportunities in the UAE's agricultural sector.

The use of black soldier fly larvae supports the UAE’s sustainability goals. By converting organic waste into valuable agricultural feed, this method helps reduce environmental impact and fosters a circular economy.

Omar Ali Al Shammari, Executive Director of ADAFSA’s Strategy and Policies Sector, stated, "ADAFSA is delighted to partner with Spinneys in this groundbreaking initiative to address food waste and promote sustainable agriculture in the UAE. By harnessing innovative solutions such as the use of black soldier fly larvae, we can significantly enhance resource efficiency and contribute to the development of a more resilient food system. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation to ensure food security and sustainability for present and future generations."

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, added, "We are thrilled to pioneer this transformative partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. At Spinneys, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability across our operations. By harnessing the potential of the insect feed project, we are not only reducing food waste but also creating valuable resources for agriculture, thus advancing towards a more sustainable future for the UAE."

This collaboration highlights a significant step towards sustainable resource management in the UAE. The initiative not only addresses food waste but also contributes to developing a circular economy through innovative solutions.

With inputs from WAM