Valorisation of by-products, circularity

Waste streams from the food and other sectors represent an important source of feed ingredients for future-proof animal feeds, provided that safety, consistency, and technical processability are guaranteed. The Feed Pilot investigates how these streams - which are often heterogeneous in terms of composition and moisture content - can be converted into stable feed components through pretreatment (ILVO Post Harvest Pilot) and process control. In parallel, we conduct safety and quality analyses (mycotoxins, residues, microbiology, shelf life) and evaluate sensory aspects that influence feed intake. The ultimate goal is a circular pathway in which by-products are incorporated into animal feed with minimal risks and maximum value, supported by process data and analytical reports that companies can use for compliance and market introduction. This valorization contributes to feed ingredient efficiency, cost reduction, and emission mitigation, and aligns seamlessly with the broad bioeconomy objectives that ILVO is working toward together with other partners.