Promoting sustainability through fish waste
With tonnes of fish by-products going to waste daily, Nova Research has come up with a concept to transform this waste into food consumption for humans.“By entering this year’s Capricorn Foundation Food Waste Challenge, we had the opportunity to shed light on the motivation behind Nova Research's mission to tackle food waste. Our team is dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue and finding innovative solutions to reduce waste in the food and fish industries,” said team leader Victoria Erasmus.
Witnessing the wastage of food first-hand at a wedding in early 2022 sparked a conversation about the ethical and economic implications of this problem. “My work in the fish industry exposed me to the vast amount of fish waste products that go unused. It became clear that addressing food waste was not just a personal concern but a global issue that needed urgent attention.”
It might be no easy feat to convince the public to consume by-products that have been considered a waste product but the team is ready to tackle the challenge. “Our focus on fish waste is driven by the realization that what is often considered waste can be a valuable resource. Convincing the public to embrace this notion and purchase our products, which are made from nutritious fish waste, requires a multifaceted approach. We believe that exposure and education are key factors in changing consumer behaviour,” she said.
She is excited that the Capricorn Foundation created a platform of this nature. “Food waste is not solely a government issue or an individual responsibility; it demands a collective effort from all sectors, including the private sector. By allowing social entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, the private sector can contribute financial resources and expertise to collective efforts aimed at resolving this pressing problem.”
Nova Research remains dedicated to its vision of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. “With our innovative approach and the support of stakeholders, we are confident that we can make a significant impact on this global challenge.”
The winner of this year’s Food Waste Challenge will be announced on 13 July.