Fieldlab to Prevent Food Waste set to launch

On March 1, 2025, Greenport West-Holland will launch the Fieldlab to Prevent Food Waste. As part of this initiative, students from MBO and HBO institutions will collaborate with entrepreneurs to analyze food waste within supply chains and businesses and develop innovative solutions. The project is supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Greenport West-Holland is a regional network organization that brings together government, businesses, and knowledge institutions to work toward a sustainable future for the horticultural sector. The Fieldlab to Prevent Food Waste is part of the ambition ‘Leading in Knowledge & Innovation’ and stems from Greenport West-Holland’s Innovation Pact.

Solutions for waste in the supply chain

Food waste is a growing issue, both socially and economically. The Fieldlab focuses on waste in cultivation, processing, and distribution. Students from institutions such as Hogeschool Inholland and Lentiz will work with entrepreneurs to tackle key questions, including: What does waste in the supply chain look like? What innovative solutions exist? And how can residual streams be transformed into valuable products?

According to Greenport West-Holland director Angelique de Wit, the collaboration is highly valuable: “By bringing education and business together, we are actively working towards a more sustainable food chain. We help entrepreneurs reduce waste while giving students the opportunity to make an impact.”

Strong partners and existing facilities

The Fieldlab is being developed in collaboration with various partners, including Duijvestijn Tomaten, Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Dutch Fresh Port Campus, Hogeschool Inholland, and Lentiz. The initiative will make use of existing facilities such as laboratories, processing centers, and innovation hubs, including the FIA in Vlaardingen. Leonie Koerhuis will serve as the project leader for the Fieldlab.

Greenportwestholland.nl