Each year in Italy, in terms of production waste, more than 30 million tons of milk are discarded, equivalent to 120.000 Olympic-sized swimming pools1. Biotechnologies and circular economy can contribute to making the dairy supply chain more sustainable by aiding in the recovery of waste and/or by-products from milk processing. The main by-product of cheese production is whey, which contains casein and already has various industrial applications. It can be utilized in the production of yarns and fabrics, packaging materials and construction materials. The project develops an analytical model that, given the quantity of wastes in the dairy supply chain, allows for the identification of the possible transformers interested in their transformation. A Decision Support System (DSS) will be implemented, utilizing analytical algorithms and multicriteria decision methods. Through the development of a multi-user web platform accessible via browsers and apps, the DSS will guide the company in identifying the “best” transformer. The system will allow the dairy company to input types, quantities and prices of waste and enable transformers to express their demand. It also provides indicators to assess the environmental impact of processes for a potential voluntary certification of sustainability (i.e. “Re.Wa.R.D. Food” protocol).

Re.Wa.R.D. Food promotes environmental, social, and economic sustainability in agri-food chains through the development of technological and social innovations that make food chains more sustainable and efficient. It aligns with the research themes of SPOKE 1 - “GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY,” as it aims to promote the reduction and recovery of by-products/waste from agri-food chains through circular economy models. This target will be achieved by developing new digital technologies for managing waste from agri-food chains, implementing new solutions for integrated and sustainable logistics, and creating intelligent and smart supply chains to reduce waste.

The Re.Wa.R.D. Food model is oriented towards waste minimization, with a focus on equitable distribution and a transport mode which promotes the use of sustainable means and strategies. The DSS set up will involve the development of a multi-user web platform accessible through browsers and apps. This platform will allow the dairy company to input types and quantities of waste to be disposed of, along with their prices. Simultaneously, transformers can express their demand. Based on these inputs and the specific parameters, the DSS will generate a ranking among different transformers. The dairy company can transparently and fairly identify the transformer to which the waste should be allocated.
An automated algorithm will send a “purchase proposal” to the identified transformer, which can either accept the proposal and proceed with the purchase and pickup or reject it. If rejected, the algorithm will propose the same deal to the next transformer until acceptance. Price adjustment mechanisms will be implemented in case a transformer cannot be identified.