CEFoodCycle

Optimizing Circular Economy through Artificial Intelligence

Collaboration between  Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and University of Salzburg / Department of Business / Marketing

Illustration zu Kreislaufwirtschaft und KI
Image credit: AI-generated


Project Description: Food Waste Stream and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The vulnerability of alpine regions necessitates sustainability measures. Food waste, particularly in the hospitality industry, arises from overproduction, take-away services, and packaging. In the interdisciplinary project “CEFoodcycle,” researchers from FH Salzburg and PLUS explore the application of circular economy concepts to the food stream (production, consumption, disposal). This approach aims to reduce food waste, reuse resources, and close food cycles.

One of the project’s goals is to develop a digital service system that connects stakeholders within and outside the food sector using artificial intelligence. This platform will link farmers, retailers, energy producers, and consumers. It helps identify optimization opportunities and monitors food waste and CO2 emissions.

The project receives funding from the EU’s transnational Alpine Space program and is implemented in five alpine pilot regions, including the state of Salzburg. Specifically, researchers from the Departments of Business and Tourism and Information Technologies and Digitalization collaborate with partners on a “Circular Food Hub.” This hub supports the transition of the food industry toward a circular economy.

Contact (Project Lead):

More about the Project:

  • Funding: Interreg Alpine Space
  • Project Duration: November 2022 to December 2025
  • Lead Partner Organization: FH Salzburg
  • FH Salzburg Team: Stefanie Wallinger, Lukas Grundner, Eva Lienbacher (Department of Business and Tourism), Cornelia Ferner, Werner Kaltner-Pomwenger, Stefan Wegenkittl (Department of Information Technologies and Digitalization)
  • Observer: Paris Lodron University Salzburg | Department of Business Administration, Christine Vallaster (Marketing)
  • Partners:
    • Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (FH Salzburg) (Austria)
    • Austrian Institute of Ecology (Austria)
    • E-institute, Institute for Comprehensive Development Solutions (Slovenia)
    • Nice Côte d’Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (France)
    • BSC, Business Support Organization, Ltd., Kranj (Slovenia)
    • Agency for Sustainable Mediterranean Cities and Territories (France)
    • LAMORO Development Agency (Italy)
    • IDM Südtirol Alto Adige (Italy)
    • Hochschule München (Germany)
    • Umweltbundesamt (Germany)
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