A strategic partnership has been forged by Food & Fibre Gippsland and The Trade Council of Denmark to support Gippsland’s Regional Circular Economy Plan. Danish industry leaders have visited Gippsland several times over the last 18 months, including a circular economy feasibility study tour.
From these visits, specific areas of opportunity were identified between the parties, with a vision to utilise the best of Danish technology to support Food & Fibre Gippsland members achieve energy, waste, and production efficiencies.
Representatives from Sustainability Victoria, Gippsland Climate Change Network and the Latrobe Valley Authority attended the signing, supporting the region’s $7 billion food and fibre value chain.
Danish Trade Commissioner, Ulrik Dahl, said the partnership had potential for positive environmental outcomes.
“We look forward to the mutual benefit of this collaboration with Food & Fibre Gippsland, as we continue to actively support Australia’s green transition and contribute to the global reduction of CO2 emission,” Dahl said.
An initial project is within the dairy industry, where whey from the production of cheese and yoghurt is underutilised. Whey contains functional nutrition and is enjoyed as a base for beverages in many parts of the world. The agreement will explore value-adding possibilities for turning whey waste into a revenue stream for Gippsland dairy producers.
The partnership will explore opportunities for cooperation and supporting the Victorian government’s circular economy and waste-to-energy initiatives by:
- Introducing best-practice environment protection;
- creating ways to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill;
- identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. green transition, renewable energy);
- sharing knowledge and case studies on energy and water efficiency; and
- assisting economic development through circular economy principles.
Food & Fibre Gippsland Acting CEO, Ben Gebert, said the partnership will benefit Gippsland in multiple ways.
“This agreement will pave the way for Danish innovation to be used in minimising and repurposing waste streams from dairy industries, while supporting circular economy principles,” said Gebert.
“In a region renowned for its high-quality dairy products, it makes economic and environmental sense to be using whey by-products for new and emerging opportunities, essentially value-adding and reducing waste in the process.”
